Make it two straight impactful rookie classes for the Chargers front office.
A year removed from the Chargers General Manager Joe Hortiz and his staff finding a number of first-year players who slotted right in, the group did it again as the team got much deeper at every position in 2025.
Chargers rookies played 2,674 total offensive and defensive snaps this season, a significant amount they needed enroute to another postseason berth.
"I really feel like this year we were deeper at every position, we were deeper at every position going into camp… The depth paid off," Hortiz said at his year-end press conference.
Here's a look at each Chargers rookie during their debut season, including their reactions to their first year on locker room clean out day:
Omarion Hampton
The Chargers first-round pick took over a role bigger than expected in his rookie season.
After injuries struck the running back room beginning in training camp, Omarion Hampton carried the load early in the season and held it whenever he was out on the field.
The No. 22 overall pick played in nine games, rushing for 545 yards and four touchdowns to go along with 192 receiving yards and a touchdown.
He missed an extended period of time during the middle of the season with an ankle injury — which cost him six games — before another injury limited him as well towards the end of the year.
Overall though, Hampton was satisfied with his debut season when he played, adding that he wished he was able to contribute more.
"It was good, had a few setbacks," Hampton said. "Just trying to bounce back. It sucks not to be able to help the team out as much as you can because you're injured. It was good other than that."
He later added: "You always want to help your team out when you're in those situations, those types of games. Just trying to do everything I can to get back on the field."
Hampton has been dependable so far in his career, so the frustration of injuries is something he said he isn't concerned about.
He now turned to an exciting offseason ahead of building on his NFL experiences.
"Really everything. I feel like we have all the keys," Hampton said. "Just trying to get back out there with the guys and be healthy, help the team out as much as I can."
Not to mention, he's fired up to be able to be able to get a full workload this offseason and work on his game without worrying about the draft process.
"Finally could get some real football work in," Hampton said. "Last offseason it was just training for the Combine, the 40[-yard dash]. It'll be good to get football work and get back training on that."
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Take a look back at the best photos of the offense's 2025 campaign
Tre' Harris
The rookie receiver's impact goes far beyond the numbers.
Tre' Harris held a big role in the Bolts offense and logged almost 50 percent of the offensive snaps in 2025, as he was as reliable as they came whenever he was called upon.
His overall numbers — 30 receptions for 324 yards and a touchdown — were solid. But his ability to make an impact as a blocker was one of the biggest developments for him in his debut season.
"I did a lot of things I'm proud of, stuff I proved to myself," Harris said. "I'm not just a wide receiver, I'm a football player whether it was blocking this year, a role on special teams as well. I definitely feel like there's things I need to work on.
He later added: "Being able to make it to the postseason my first season, that's always a blessing. I'm super grateful for it."
It also helped Harris to see the types of players that were in his position room.
Whether it was getting to watch and learn from a veteran like Keenan Allen or other young players who have had some success in the league, he soaked it all in throughout Year 1.
He was appreciative of the open nature of the room, adding how impactful being close to Allen was for his growth as a rookie.
"You come in as a rookie and you don't really know what to expect, you don't know what's going to happen, how things are going to play out," Harris said. "Everybody treated me with open arms. They showed me the ropes of the NFL and everyday life just being a pro.
"Keenan, just watching him every single day, that's awesome," Harris added. "He's going to be a Hall of Famer in my eyes."
The foundation has been set for Harris and he's come away from his first season knowing what it takes to get to the next level.
"The main takeaway is that preparation is what separates the tiers, the good from the great," Harris said. "The way you prepare each week, that's not just looking at film.
"That's going into practice each and every day and trying to get better at one little thing, one little thing," I feel like that's probably the biggest takeaway I had."
Jamaree Caldwell
It's not often a third-round round interior defensive lineman comes in and finishes his rookie season with the second-most defensive snaps among his position.
Jamaree Caldwell did just that, holding an important role in the middle of the Chargers defense and being relied upon a lot from the jump.
The Oregon product played in all 17 games, starting five, and even notched his first career sack early in the season.
But his dirty work eating up blocks and being a disrupter in the run game was felt by the unit, as he made an impression since he arrived.
"I'm appreciative of the guys up top," Caldwell said. "Just seeing the progress of me throughout camp seeing I can hold up and hold my own against guys, elite guys in the league. They trusted me and I feel like I contributed a lot."
Caldwell praised the help of his fellow veterans in the room, including newly extended Teair Tart, for the confidence they had in him from the jump.
And after having gone through it once, the rookie came away with a major takeaway as he heads into the offseason.
"My biggest takeaway is I need to get down to a weight where I can be more effective on pass rush and be a three-down D-lineman," Caldwell said. "I feel like I am now, but I feel like I need to be more effective.
"Just clean up a lot of the small things and I feel like I could come back and be more elite," Caldwell added.
It's why, with a full offseason ahead of him, he's ready to work on himself to get into the shape he feels he needs to be at to take the next step.
"I feel like this time I'm going to come back way more healthy that I was last year," Caldwell said. "Lose a lot of fat mass and I feel like, not to jump ahead, but I feel like I'm going to come back dominant and confidence-wise.
"I got a feel for how the league is," Caldwell added. "I feel like I can come back and get after the quarterback."
Kyle Kennard
The fourth-round pick's rookie season was one with limited action.
Kyle Kennard finished the season playing in just five games, as a lot of his work came off the football field.
But Kennard said while there was normal frustration of not playing right from the jump, that turned into appreciation for the learning curve that comes with joining the NFL.
"I feel like the frustration turned more beneficial than anything for me," Kennard said. "Just sit back and realize that immediate success does not always happen, even though it always might look like that.
"There's learning curves other than just playing, that comes with the game of football," Kennard added. "I had to realize that most."
Kennard doesn't have to look too far to look for players who were in his situation before.
Just last year, Justin Eboigbe was a fourth-round pick of his own who played very limited snaps and turned around to put together a 6.0-sack season in Year 2.
He said he's had conversations with Eboigbe about what he did during the offseason and will surely be taking his advice.
"It's obvious he made big strides in what he did," Kennard said. "I definitely talked to him about some similarities about stuff I could do that he did this past offseason. I'll definitely taking some pages out of his book."
Kennard said this offseason he will spend a lot of time with Ben Herbert, the Chargers Executive Director of Player Performance, as he aims to get bigger, faster and stronger in all facets.
When he looks back on his rookie season, he'll remember some of the biggest takeaways he had watching the veterans in front of him and what he could learn from it.
"I feel like I got caught up into thinking that you have to do more than what you are," Kennard said. "Thinking that you have to go out there and have some type of out of body experiences to perform well.
"When I watch [Khalil Mack], when I watch Tuli [Tuipulotu], even Odafe [Oweh] since he's been here, they go out there and take it play by play and slow it down for themselves. I feel like I could do a better job of implementing that to my game," Kennard added.
KeAndre Lambert-Smith
While the rookie receiver's role during the season was limited, he did show some of the same flashes he did during his first camp and preseason.
KeAndre Lambert-Smith played in 10 games as a rookie, hauling in his first career touchdown in a big spot against the Chiefs in Week 15.
He was placed on Injured Reserve prior to the Chargers Wild Card game, but he's ready to attack the offseason.
"We made a playoff run, didn't go how we wanted it," Lambert-Smith said. "Season didn't end how I wanted it to particularly. Just going to attack the offseason, first offseason. Ready to get better and do what I need to do for this next year."
Lambert-Smith saw a role on special teams a good amount this season with 18 kickoff returns during the year as that phase dealt with some injuries.
He enters the long period off highly motivated from the learning opportunities he was able to have in Year 1.
"Just getting my body 100 percent back," Lambert-Smith said. "Been dealing with something for a while now, so ready to hone in on my body.
"Then the small things, the techniques," he added. "Ready to attack this next year."
Take a look at the best photos from the Chargers 2025 campaign through the lens of manager of photography, Ty Nowell, seasonal photographer, Joaquin Torre, seasonal photographer, Cassandra Serrano, gameday photographers Noel Vasquez, Joey Hortiz, Katie Albertson and Jared Thomas.
Sliding to a W - The Chargers kicked off the regular season in São Paulo, Brazil and as most games against the Chiefs go, this one came down to the wire. On a crucial third down, Justin Herbert ran down the sideline, got the first down and punctuated it with a slide home to ice the game with the extra flair. It felt like he was looking right down the barrel of the lens as he secured the win.
Seatbelt - The Bolts defense put on a show in primetime at Allegiant Stadium with three interceptions on the night. After shutting the Raiders out of the endzone once again with a pass breakup that led to an interception, Derwin James, Jr. came strutting off the field, dropped his helmet and then hit the 'Seatbelt' celebration before Coach Jim Harbaugh came over and high-fived him. Shooting it wide really gives a chance to show the Chargers fans celebrating and taking over the Raiders house.
Flu Game - Another from Week 2 in Las Vegas, this one a storytelling image of a warrior that gave it his all. Daiyan Henley was feeling terrible and had doubts whether he would play with a bad illness. The result? A team-leading 10 tackles, a sack, an interception, two tackles for loss and two passes defensed. In the locker room huddle, he was clearly spent after leaving it all on the field. I got done shooting Derwin going around congratulating everyone and was exiting the back of the locker room to the hallway where we set up our gear at the stadium. I look to my left and see Daiyan flat on his back.
Full Extension - Another highlight play against a division foe, this one from an elevated angle on level 8 at SoFi Stadium. We usually stay in front of the offense, but shooting the reverse angle got Quentin Johnston's face as he snagged it over the outstretched arm of Riley Moss to get the Chargers near the goal line. Shooting from elevation always gives a unique look to a play.
Pinpoint Accuracy - The Justin Herbert-Keenan Allen connection was alive and well from the start. For as good as the catch from Allen was, the veteran receiver said watching the replay back, "He really didn't do nothing." Herbert simply put the ball only where he could get it, all while evading pressure and rolling to his left for the highlight throw. This was shot from the ADA section of the 100 level seats in the northwest corner of SoFi Stadium, a clear look at the perfect ball placement.
Moment of Reflection - A quiet moment for Donte Jackson ahead of Week 6 against the Dolphins. The visiting locker room in Miami is the one the Hurricanes use for their games, but the staff there has an LED sign for every NFL team to put up when they're using it and make it feel like home. Jackson takes some time to himself before padded warmups every game and this Sunday just happened to sit right under the bolt for his moment of reflection.
High Impact - It was an emerging year for Justin Eboigbe in Year 2 after playing just over 50 total snaps as a rookie. He made his presence felt not only on the defensive line but on special teams, as seen in this one. On kickoff coverage in the first quarter against the Dolphins, Eboigbe hit the returner so hard his mouthpiece flew out and I caught it in that split second. It was one of three special teams tackles he had on the day.
Letting the Emotion Flow - You're always looking for emotion in photos, and this one is a great example of why. After continuing the play and making himself available, Herbert found Ladd McConkey for the touchdown and the lead in the second half. McConkey, scoring his second score of the year at that point, was fired up and came right to the corner of the endzone, as the photo was framed up perfectly with the lens.
Primetime Group Photo - After RJ Mickens grabbed the first interception of his career in Week 8 against the Vikings, Daiyan Henley knew where to take him. Henley found Mickens following the play and pointed him towards the endzone, where I was standing and waving at them. We always have someone stationed in the endzone for these celebration photos, and waited until the whole squad got there. I took a couple tight also but liked this wide one best cause it showed the 'INTERCEPTION' graphic on the infinity screen, something you can only get at SoFi.
All in the Details - This close up shot came right before the Chargers kicked off in Week 9 against Tennessee. It was a quiet moment during the anthem as the players lined up on the sideline. This detail shot shows the cross on RJ's eye black, plus his hair.
A Powerful Moment - Another one from Nashville, this one an impactful moment as Henley was playing just hours after finding out his brother had passed away. He made his way into the backfield and grabbed Cam Ward for the sack, then dropping to his knees in prayer. A powerful moment on an emotional day.
In Focus - This was shot as the defensive backs were coming out of the locker room to huddle up before padded warmups ahead of Sunday Night Football against the Steelers. The slow shutter effect with the camera's shutter set to 1/10th of a second, creates the blurred lines and then popping the flash freezes the subject. It's something we shoot almost every game, so we just try to find a different way to capture it.
Bringing the Juice - It's not the typical Derwin pregame huddle shot with the full team, but during the defensive back huddle. The low angle gives a unique perspective as he looks down and pounds the football, bringing the energy. It gives you a sense of being in the middle of the action and shows the unique roof at SoFi as well.
Eyes on the Ball - Donte Jackson spent 2025 making plays on the ball, and Week 13 against the Raiders was no different. Following an interception in the endzone, Geno Smith threw a ball towards the sideline that Jackson was able to deflect into the air, giving Tony Jefferson just enough time to get under it and secure the interception. The photo catches the exact moment both players had a shot at the ball and shows the concentration on both their faces. It's the kind of thing you don't always see on TV, and is unique to photo.
An Isolated Walk - A very unique situation that's reserved only for overtime. Usually for a pregame coin toss the Chargers have six captains and they're walking alongside referees and a lot of different cameras. For the overtime toss, it was just Justin Herbert and Derwin James, the leaders of the offense and defense, walking to meet the Eagles captains. As the clock was winding down in regulation, I hustled over from the endzone to follow these two out.
Putting it on the Line - Broken hand? No problem. Playing just a week after suffering a broken bone in his left hand, Herbert put it all out there in the overtime win on Monday Night. Hand and all, the quarterback led the team in rushing on primetime, including this 12-yard run to open overtime where he used the left hand to stiff arm Reed Blankenship for the first down on the go-ahead drive. Maybe it was instinct, but Herbert is willing to do anything for the win.
Sending them Home - The Monday Night Football game against the Eagles brought a lot of memorable moments, but the one that ended the game might take the cake. Cam Hart's full extension pass breakup led to Tony Jefferson's game-ending interception in overtime, as the safety ran all the way across the field to celebrate. He even found some Eagles fans when he got to the corner, telling them to go home. You can see how laser-focused he was with the intensity on the veteran's face as his teammates around him are overjoyed.
The Emotions of Victory - One more from Week 14 courtesy of our remote camera on Level 3 at the 50-yard line at SoFi. Remotes allow us to get multiple angles of the same moment, and this is happening at the exact same time as the photo above. When it became apparent that Jefferson was going to celebrate towards me, I put the remote camera trigger on my short lens camera so the remote would fire any time I hit the shutter button. It's a cool moment that shows all the emotions of the ending — fans celebrating, others in disbelief and the 'Chargers Win' graphic on the Infinity Screen.
Derwin vs. Kelce- Derwin James against Travis Kelce has been a staple of the AFC West bout for years, with the latest incarnation coming on a play to seal a win for the Bolts, as James ran stride for stride with the tight end to grab the interception. With the game in the balance, I moved around the bench to shoot the defense tighter, and the pass came directly in line for the perfect shot. A lot of times in this situation, positioning is as important as anything.
A High-Five For the Postseason - There were a lot of chances for fun locker room shots this season with another year of 11 wins, but this was probably my favorite. It's become a tradition under Harbaugh for everyone to high five after a victory and after win No. 11 against the Cowboys essentially put them in the playoffs for a second-straight year, Daiyan Henley encapsulated the feeling in the room with pure joy finding Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter for the high-five.
A Special Bond - The specialists, Cameron Dicker, JK Scott and Josh Harris, always huddle up for a prayer before going out on the field. This photo shows the brotherhood of the position group that's been together for a number of seasons now ahead of the game against Houston. A lot of times, it feels like you're invading their personal space in shots like these but it can make impactful images.
Center of the Blur - Keeping it with the pregame shots ahead of the regular season home finale in Week 17. I'm always assigned to shoot the player intros from Level 2 and find different, unique ways to capture the moment. Here, it's shot at 1/6 of a second with a 10-stop neutral density filter on and panned as the exact speed Elijah Molden was running out. With the focus point on him, he stays in focus while the rest of the scene blurs out.
Blending Colors - Khalil Mack runs out last in home games where the defense is introduced, so as others were running out, I moved to the back of the tunnel where he was shrouded in the smoke that is pumped out for the intros. The pulsing light tubes had lit up gold against the team's Navy Super Chargers uniforms, and the fan in the background has the team's primary powder blue, making a good color contrast.
Under the Elements - The Bolts closed out 2025 with a rainy practice on New Year's Eve, an uncommon sight in Southern California. They had practiced at SoFi Stadium days before because of the rain but stayed outdoors for this one. As Donte Jackson tilts his head down, you can see every bead on his helmet, including the one dripping off the facemask at that exact moment.
Sticking Together - From Canton, Ohio to Brazil and all the way to Foxborough, Massachusetts, the Bolts experienced a lot as they traveled the most miles traveled in the NFL heading into the playoffs. And at every stop, Jim Harbaugh, Justin Herbert, Derwin James and Daiyan Henley always stood alongside one another during the National Anthem. It was no different as they prepared for their second-straight year in the postseason.
Oronde Gadsden
How about the season the rookie tight end was able to put together?
It didn't take long for Oronde Gadsden to overtake the mantle of top tight end on the roster even with him being inactive the first two games.
He led all offensive rookies in snaps during the season and finished with 664 receiving yards on 49 receptions and three touchdowns. His receiving yardage total was fourth among rookie tight ends in 2025.
Gadsden took away a lot from his rookie season and with all the learning curves along the way, he's excited for the baseline he built for himself.
"Definitely went better than expected," Gadsden said. "Not playing in the first two games then coming out and doing what I did was good in my eyes. I've gone through a bunch of learning curves.
"Just like you go from high school to college, then college to the next level, everyone is bigger, faster stronger," Gadsden added. "You have to be more locked, watching film more. The more and more you do that, the bigger, faster and stronger I'll get, that will get better."
Gadsden became a security blanket for Justin Herbert and the offense with three or more receptions in eight of his 15 regular season games this year.
Having already built a good rapport with his quarterback, he's fired up about what that could continue to develop into.
"Every pass he throws is on target," Gadsden said. "Every pass he's thrown me all season is on target. He doesn't miss a beat. He's the toughest dude I know."
He later added: "It will continue to get better and better. Hopefully we can throw in the offseason."
R.J. Mickens
It took a couple of weeks once the season got rolling, but R.J. Mickens paid dividends big time for the Chargers defense in his first year.
After a Week 5 trade shuffled the safety room, the sixth-round pick never looked back and played in 12 games (six starts), playing a big part in the Bolts secondary.
He showed the same ballhawking skills that turned him into an NFL draft pick, grabbing two this season in addition to two passes defensed.
"I was just trying to be where my feet were, wherever that was," Mickens said in November. "I was on look team giving the best look I could, working on myself and helping the offense
"Trying to get better personally every single day no matter the circumstance was and staying ready for this opportunity whenever it presented itself," Mickens added.
With Derwin James, Jr. continuing to move closer to the line of scrimmage, Mickens was crucial on the backend whether it was next to Elijah Molden or Tony Jefferson.
While he was appreciative of the opportunity he got during the year, there's no question he will enter the offseason with the same motivation he had all season.
"I still got to continue to get better every single day," Mickens said midseason. "That's never going to change, having that same hunger and keeping that same mindset I had is what I feel like is going to help me out.
"Just continuing to grow my game because there's so much more that's out there for myself and this defense," Mickens added.
Nikko Reed & Marlowe Wax
We'll round it out with a pair of undrafted free agents that kept themselves on the 53-man roster all year.
With Nikko Reed and Marlowe Wax, their standout play during training camp and the preseason helped them contribute throughout the season.
There was a lot to take away from their first year in the league.
"I would say first, thankful being undrafted, making the 53. But definitely some growing pains and some areas where I could've been better," Wax said. "Just like it always has to be, go back to the drawing board, looking at it and getting better from it."
Wax played in all 17 games this year, primarily in a special teams role, logging the second-most snaps in that department.
It's how he was able to keep his spot as a crucial member of the unit.
"I hope everybody seen how much work I put into it, how much effort I put into it," Wax said. "Hopefully it was a great impact and definitely another great piece moving forward."
He also got some extended run in the Chargers Week 18 game against the Broncos, some beneficial tape as he heads into his first full offseason.
After taking some time to rest his body, Wax said he will be back to training as he was able to get tips from his teammates on how to approach the offseason.
"I'm always a sponge around these guys asking them a lot of different questions on what to do," Wax said. "They've been giving me really good light on it all."
Reed, a cornerback out of Oregon, played in just five games but filled in when needed during the middle of the regular season.
But even without a steady role, Reed said during the season he took away a lot from just observing the game, an experience that will surely help him heading into the offseason.
"I'm really just watching everybody," Reed said in late October. "I'm an observer, so I'm watching everybody. Everybody is different, I watch them get ready for the game, how they take their notes, how are they in the meetings, how are they in walkthroughs.
"I take all that in," Reed added. "I'm just observing everything and seeing how everything goes."
