Week 1 is upon us. Whether this is the last Chargers preseason with their home at the Q or not; the fans will keep supporting. In 2015, fan presence and ticket sales have reached record highs, allowing the team to start out with amazing momentum.
“This season will be incredible,” rookie cornerback, Craig Mager said in response to how he will feel playing his first official game in front of Bolts fans. Here is a glimpse of #29 and San Diego’s anticipation for the season.
“The stadium situation will bring us together as a city and as a team, we are excited to start the season this Sunday,” said LB Jerry Attachou.
S Jimmy Wilson is also amped and ready for week 1, “I’m back with my home team in San Diego and it’s been a life long dream to play here.” Despite missing the first 4 games of the season, TE Antonio Gates expressed, “I have received a lot of support this season. When the fans show their appreciation, it’s what this is all about”
While 2016 could be the last year the Chargers play in San Diego,the new season and the Bolts roster has been set.
Take a look at the Chargers’ 53-man roster:
QB: Philip Rivers, Kellen Clemens
RB: Melvin Gordon, Danny Woodhead, Branden Oliver, Donald Brown
TE: Ladarius Green, David Johnson, Kyle Miller
WR: Malcom Floyd, Keenan Allen, Stevie Johnson, Dontrelle Inman, Jacoby Jones, Tyrell Williams
OL: King Dunlap, Joe Barksdale, Chris Hairston, Tyreek Burwell, D.J. Fluker, Orlando Franklin, Johnnie Troutman, Chris Watt, Trevor Robinson
NT: Ryan Carrethers, Sean Lissemore
DE: Corey Liuget, Ricardo Mathews, Kendall Reyes, Mitch Unrein, Darius Philon
OLB: Jerry Attaochu, Melvin Ingram, Kyle Emanuel, Cordarro Law, Tourek Williams
ILB: Donald Butler, Manti Te’o, Kavell Conner, Denzel Perryman, Nick Dzubnar
CB: Brandon Flowers, Jason Verrett, Craig Mager, Patrick Robinson, Steve Williams
S: Eric Weddle, Jahleel Addae, Darrell Stuckey, Jimmy Wilson
ST: Josh Lambo, Mike Scifres, Mike Windt
With this solid squad it has been quite clear Melvin Gordon, 15th pick overall, has been one of the most highly anticipated. Theresa Villano of Pro Player Insiders also caught up with Gordon at Qualcomm and at the NFLPA Rookie Premiere with the other top 30 offensive 2015 draft pick. Watch for the first time what he has to say about San Diego.
When asked how it feels to have his team already showing respect Gordon admits, “It’s sweet. I didn’t know they (my teammates) said that. I’m glad they talk highly of me, I must be doing something right.” There have already been moments in Gordon’s NFL career where fans have impacted him,”When everybody chants my name, that’s pretty cool.”
The optimistic rookie running back has great things to say about McCoy, too. “Coach McCoy and my Wisconsin coach to me, they are pretty similar. They actually know each other real well. I think they have some similarities, they’re both just as good. “I just went to the beach. San Diego is really relaxing. The beach is a pretty big deal here.”
In addition to the team and fans, the Chargers alumni Nick Hardwick (former center), Lorenzo Neil (former fullback), Darren Carrington (former safety), Willie Buchanon (former saftety) and Anthony Miller (former receiver) see this 2015 roster to be “the best yet.” Even NFL reporter , Alex Flanagan, tells us that with players like Manti Teo and Keenan Allen, the Bolts may be more than a sleeper team.
Flash Gordon has gotten the fans excited and is willing to put in the work for them, “We are trying to wins some games which is most important. I’m a hard worker and will continue to work. I’m going to try to help you and helps us. It’s going to be a big seasons, baby…Bolt up!” With fan support, the accolades of the Bolts alumni and #28 running this seasons forecast looks bright.
Photo Credit: Jourdan Johnson
