NFL: History of the San Diego Chargers

On 9/9/09 a San Diego theater premiered the ~80 minute feature,complete with Charger Girls and numerous Charger greats.Watching this great film on the big screen with hundred of Bolt-headswas awesome. It's brilliantly edited, with plenty for newer fans, but LOTS forthose of us whose #21 jersey has "HADL" on the back (still love ya, LT!).So, I was delighted when I saw that Amazon's write-up said thatthis item was 240 minutes. That means a great bonus feature onthe 1981 team, and lots of shorter extras on Lance, Dickie, Junior,Charlie and more.If you're a Charger fan (and have read this far) then you know thatwe've suffered a lot over the years. Yes, repeated heartbreaks,zero Lombardi trophies, and only one Super Bowl appearance, which,is not even a happy memory. But one of the best things that thispackage does, is remind (or for the newer fans, teach) one just howmuch Charger football has contributed to the NFL. Sure, we don'thave any championships (unless you count '63, pre-merger)but there is A LOT to be proud of. Between Sid Gillman and Don Coryell,San Diego virtually taught the modern NFL how to throw the ball.Dan Fouts may not have a ring, but breaking the all-time passing record3 years in a row is a phenomenal achievement. Anyone who could watchthis film and not demand that Don Coryell be in the Hall of Fame, is nuts.There are also great interviews...new ones, that will surprise you.So, yes, an absolute must have. Long, long overdue.My only complaint is that I was really hoping for a blu-ray version.Admittedly, much of the film--from the '60s & '70s...and even '80s--probably wouldn't really be improved in HD, given the source material...but still...it's late 2009...new stuff should be offered in the best formats.It crossed my mind to ding the score a bit for that...but decided that no,this is a review of THIS product, in DVD format...and it's freakin' awesome!

The San Diego Chargers in 1978, with the arrival of coach Don Coryell, after replacing head coach Tommy Prothro, began what was one of the most exciting periods in Charger history, and profootball. This was a time of prominence for the NFL when it consisted of 28 teams, and the AFC and NFC had the west, central, east divisions, unlike today. Air Coryell was led by QB Dan Fouts, hall of famer, and protected by a star offensive line that allowed him to throw to talented receivers Charlie Joiner (hall of famer), John Jefferson, tightend Kellen Winslow (hall of famer), and Wes Chandler, Games with their bitter rival the Oakland Raiders are shown, and the 1981 AFC Div playoff game in Miami, against the Dolphins, as stated, perhaps the greatest playoff game ever, and it was. The early birth of the Chargers began in 1959, with the new AFL under head coach Sid Gillman with star running backs Paul Lowe, and Keith Lincoln, QB Jack Kemp (later U.S. Congressman). Defensive tackle Ernie Ladd, end Earl Faison, and nine time Pro-Bowl offensive tackle Ron Mix. Winning the AFL championship in 1963 with QB Tobin Rote throwing to receiving great Lance Alworth (hall of famer). Later, in 65 QB John Hadl would throw to Alworth, and In 66, featured receiver Gary Garrison, half back Dickie Post, safety Kenny Graham, kick returner Leslie "Speedy" Duncan. Candid commentaries from players, along NFL films footage make this a must have for Charger fans, and enjoyable to watch.

Myself, I bought this DVD hoping that it wouldn't contain footage that I had seen before on my old VHS tape "Legend of the Lightning Bolt." Needless to say, I was not disappointed. VERY good mix of old footage that was all new to me, and the best bonus of all in this set was the "NFL Missing Rings" story of the 1981 season. I truly wish that NFL films would do an entire series of all of the Super Bowl teams that DIDN'T win the big one, because their stories seem to be much more compelling than those teams who ultimately attained victory (The 1969 Minnesota Vikings story on the "Missing Rings" set is my absolute fave). Granted, the Chargers didn't make the Super Bowl that year, but what they went through the previous seasons leading up to 1981 is engaging to say the least. I have always admired Dan Fouts as a QB, but after watching that piece, I really like him as a person now (Especially him telling the story of his hat that read "MFIC" . .but you'll have to see the DVD to find out that bit of info, as I won't divulge it in this review) because of the competitive nature of his that came out in that show.If you want to know what the DVD contains after 1990, you'll have to read some of the other submissions, because on my end, I live in the past with regards to the NFL. So anything I say regarding that would definitely have a negative slant to it. But if you're looking for great 60's, 70's & 80's footage from the Chargers, you may want to buy this.

Features the history of the Chargers. Their first year was in L.A., unsupported they moved to San Diego to play at Balboa Stadium. Former QB Jack Kemp speaks. The coach is talked about and the team plays well, eventually winning the 1963 AFL Championship after losing to Houston two times.Players are mentioned for their abilities. They get a new stadium in 1967. Eventually they get a different coach, Johnny Unitas plays briefly but at 40-years of age he has little to offer. In steps Dan Fouts and leads the team to victories and he goes to the Hall of Fame as coach Don Coryell leads the team.Eventually a new owner, coach, and QB, they go to the Super Bowl for the 1994 season. Junior Seau appears and thanks fans for for attending. Ryan Leaf is briefly mentioned as well as Doug Flutie and Drew Brees. A collection of cards featuring players is shown so the players can realize who came before them and what they are a part of. Insightful. Contains everything it should about the history of the team.