Even a picture perfect L.A. night needs a splash of powder blue.
Chargers faithful converged at the Santa Monica Pier on Thursday for the team's annual draft party. The event featured Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson, former All-Pro Marcellus Wiley, team personalities and six current Chargers players.
Tomlinson opened the evening by firing up a crowd that maintained its fervor until the Chargers selected Notre Dame defensive tackle Jerry Tillery at No. 28 overall four hours later.
"It was incredible," kicker Michael Badgley said. "I mean, the fans coming out here supporting us in Santa Monica – the energy was insane. It was just a cool environment to be a part of."
As dusk hit Los Angeles and team's first-round selection neared, the iconic Pacific Park Ferris Wheel lit up in Chargers colors.
Chants rang out. Running back Austin Ekeler crowd surfed. All-Pro safety Adrian Phillips arranged an on-stage video selfie with thousands of fans. All-Pro cornerback Desmond King and linebacker Denzel Perryman joined their teammates in signing autographs and tossing hats to the crowd.
For wide receiver Mike Williams – the team's first draft pick since moving to Los Angeles in 2017 – interacting with fans in such a unique venue was an opportunity he said he didn't want to miss.
"It was lit," said Williams. "Everybody was excited just to be out here. … I'm just excited to see the fans come out and support us this season."
The Chargers had the only team draft party that was covered by NFL Network on Thursday night.
Join in on the excitement as the Chargers host their official Draft Party on the Santa Monica Pier to kick off night one of the 2019 NFL Draft.
