The first day of Chargers organized team activities (OTAs) was enough to warrant a day off on the golf course.
A large number of players were on hand Tuesday for the second annual Los Angeles Chargers Invitational Golf Tournament at Rolling Hills Country Club. Wide receiver Keenan Allen, kicker Michael Badgley and quarterback Easton Stick were among some of the current Chargers who played in the tourney.
Several others, including Pro Bowl defensive end Joey Bosa, used the day to bond with teammates, hit balls on the putting green and recover after a full day of football on Monday.
"You can train as much as you want, but the football movements and just running around 11-on-11 and running into people, it's hard to duplicate it," Bosa said.
First-day soreness aside, Bosa explained how OTAs are a necessary piece to the offseason puzzle. Personal time in the offseason is dedicated to getting stronger and faster than the season before. Practice time with teammates allows Bosa to "refine his craft even more" as a pass rusher.
Take a look as current and former Chargers players, coaches and celebrities participate in the Chargers 2nd Annual Golf Tournament presented by CHLA. Check back throughout the day for the latest photos.
Like Bosa, tight end Hunter Henry – a self-proclaimed "bogey golfer" – used the day to relax after working with the first-team offense on Monday. Both players are aligned in their approach to May football.
"It's different when you have everybody out there and you're going up against the defense, you're going against each other," Henry said. "So, it's fun to get back and compete again. That's the main part. It's definitely going to make all of us better – make myself better – and I'm excited about it."
Competition can also build chemistry, whether it takes place on a practice field or putting green. Safety Derwin James, 22, and linebacker Thomas Davis, 36, went head-to-head in a putting contest. Neither guy gave an inch. The back-and-forth banter ended with James sinking a long putt and demanding his new teammate "get on the ground" for 10 push-ups.
It's the small moments in the spring between young star and savvy vet that can develop into championship memories come February. Davis has been to the top of the mountain – a Super Bowl 50 appearance with the Carolina Panthers. He said the Chargers have made him feel right at home.
"When you come to a team that has the coaches and has the players that we have on our football team, it makes the transition so much easier," Davis said. "Everyone has embraced me being here and I'm definitely excited to be here, and just really looking forward to seeing how well we can put it all together this season."
There's a long ways to go, but Tuesday was another part of the team building process. The 2019 Chargers are off the course and back on the football field Wednesday for day two of OTAs.
