Players

  In Legedu Naanee (LEG-a-doo Nah-NAY) from Boise State, the Chargers have a versatile athlete that can play wide receiver, tight end and fullback and make things happen whenever he has the ball in his hands.

  Last year, Naanee focused on playing wide receiver, while also ranking as one of the squad’s top special teams players. He came on with his best performances late in the season and caught his first-ever NFL touchdown pass in the Bolts’ AFC Divisional Playoff game in Pittsburgh.

  As a collegian, Naanee was part of the Boise State team that captured the nation’s attention and shocked the college football establishment by upsetting the Oklahoma Sooners with a stunning come-from-behind overtime win in the 2007 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. Naanee had a hand in the famed “Statue of Liberty Play” on which the Broncos scored the game-winning touchdown. He was the receiver to whom quarterback Jared Zabransky faked a throw to before handing the ball to running back Ian Johnson.

  Naanee began his career at Boise State as a quarterback and was named Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year following his redshirt year in 2002 and his freshman year in 2003. The Broncos’ coaching staff moved him to wide receiver late in his sophomore season of 2004 and a year later, he started all 13 games as a junior for the Broncos at wide receiver.

  Naanee’s background as a quarterback paid dividends for the Chargers during his rookie season. Prior to playing the Tennessee Titans on Dec. 9 and in the Wild Card round of the playoffs, Naanee went under center and ran the scout team offense. His athleticism helped the Bolts prepare for Titans quarterback Vince Young. Apparently Naanee did a good acting job. The Chargers beat Tennessee in both contests and only allowed 23 points in the two victories.

  Pound for pound, Naanee is one of the strongest players ever to play at Boise State. As a freshman in 2003, he set several weight-lifting records for quarterbacks and as a sophomore in 2004 he set some of the same records for wide receivers.

  Naanee was born in Portland, Oregon, but his father, Agbora, was born in Nigeria in a village outside of Lagos. His first name, Legedu, means “Good is coming” in Nigerian and Naanee is the family surname. Legedu has been to Nigeria twice to visit family members who still live there.

   TRANSACTION HISTORY: Fifth-round pick by Chargers (172), April 29, 2007...signed four-year contract, July 25, 2007.

  2009: Recorded five catches for 49-yards and received a coaches game ball all in week 1 at Oakland. Scored first touchdown of the season on a 20-yard pass from Philip Rivers in the third quarter. In the 4th quarter, brought in an 18-yard reception to extend a key drive that led to a field goal, extending the lead to eight points with just 30 seconds to play. Had his second touchdown of the season in week 11 against Denver. Also recorded an onside recovery. Completed his first-career NFL pass on a 21-yard pass to LaDainian Tomlinson. Inactive during week 17 contest vs. the Redskins due to a foot injury.

  2008: Caught two-point conversion late in 4Q at Denver Sept. 14 for 38-31 lead…first-career TD catch (four yards) in 4Q of Jan. 11 AFC Divisional Playoffs at Pittsburgh.

  2007: Caught first two career passes, both during TD drive Nov. 4 at Minnesota…paced team with three STT and set up GW 4Q TD in Jan. 20 AFC Divisional Playoffs at Indy with 27-yard screen to 15.

  COLLEGE: First-team All-WAC as senior...led team in receptions as senior and TD catches as junior and senior…career-high 129 yards for first-career 100-yard game in BCS bowl-clinching win over Nevada in ’06… redshirted in 2002…played at Boise State from 2002-06…business management degree.

  PERSONAL: Born in Portland, Oregon…League Offensive POY as junior and senior at Franklin HS in Portland…first-team all-league and team captain sd senior after leading team to state playoffs…all-league in basketball as junior.