Chargers veterans meet with newcomers for their first training session together

The Chargers' offseason program continued Monday with a workout at their headquarters in Costa Mesa.

The practice was the first time the team's veterans and rookies were together. Coach Jim Harbaugh explained the merge process last week by comparing it to merging onto the 405 Freeway.

With the second period of practice opening, here's a look at some recent events for the Chargers:

In the spotlight

The Chargers' status grew when the team hired Harbaugh in late January, a prominent head coach fresh off a collegiate national champion who gave the franchise a 120 percent chance of credibility.

The high-profile adjustment has worked both ways, and Harbaugh is beginning to feel the benefits of his increasing fame in fame-loving Southern California.

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In the past 10 days, he and his wife Sarah have attended a charity gala hosted by the Dodgers, the wedding of former Chargers manager Nicoletta Ruhl and actor Jaleel White and the wedding of Tom Brady.

“There were celebrities everywhere,” Harbaugh said. “Jaleel is a celebrity. Actor from “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” Shohei Ohtani. I just turned to her and said, “We’re not in Ann Arbor anymore, Sarah.” ”

Another major threat

Of all the things Justin Herbert brings to the Chargers, his presence alone impacts the team's fortunes. Harbaugh referenced that reality when asked about the signing of veteran wide receiver DJ Chark Jr.

“We really liked him,” Harbaugh said. “He liked us. He liked what we did. I'm sure #10 helps the most. Really good receivers want to play with a really good quarterback. I won't take credit for that. I think it’s mostly Justin.”

Chark echoed Harbaugh's assessment Monday when he met with reporters for the first time since joining the Chargers, calling Herbert “a top-five QB in this league any year.”

Entering his seventh season, Chark is expected to provide the Chargers with a much-needed down-the-field element. His career average of 14.5 yards per reception is a testament to that ability.

Chark said Herbert “can only really push me forward,” noting that the quarterback has worked with a variety of wide receivers – including Mike Williams and Tyron Johnson – to create explosive moments.

“If you notice, there have always been guys here making big plays, no matter who it was,” Chark said. “I think the rest will fall into place if I'm just able to get on the same page with him.”

A charger for life

Seventh-round draft pick Cornelius Johnson wore his official Chargers gear for the first time during rookie minicamp. However, it wasn't his first time in the team's colors.

Growing up in Connecticut, Johnson was a fan of Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson and often wore the number 21 as a tribute. He explained that he also loved the Chargers uniforms.

Shortly after the draft, a picture of Johnson surfaced on social media showing him wearing a Tomlinson jersey and his hair shaved into a braid. He was 8 years old at the time.

“I just loved LaDainian’s game, his highlights,” Johnson said. “Then all these people like [Antonio] goals and [Philip] Rivers, the whole bunch. … It’s amazing that they were the team that ultimately chose me to pursue my dream.”

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Johnson's older brother, Cassius, played football at the University of San Diego, which gave Johnson the opportunity to see Qualcomm Stadium – at least from the outside.

“I remember me and my father [Claude] “I tried to get in there while they were still trying to tear it down,” he said. “They kicked us out.”

Looking in from the outside

New Chargers cornerback Kristian Fulton mentioned the importance of being in sync with the coaches several times during his first session with reporters on Monday.

His time with Tennessee deteriorated in 2023 to the point where he was benched as the 2020 second-round pick struggled with consistency. Fulton also struggled with recurring soft tissue injuries during his four seasons with the Titans.

“If your coaches and players are on different sides, then your players on the field are still secondary,” he said when asked about last year. “It's kind of like that, just taking the indecision out of calls and all that stuff.”

Needing a starting outside cornerback alongside Asante Samuel Jr., the Chargers signed Fulton in March to a contract that guarantees him $2.445 million for this season.

He started 35 games over the last three years and has four interceptions in his career. However, Fulton is coming off a season in which Pro Football Focus gave him the worst overall defensive grade.

He explained that in retrospect he didn't think going to Tennessee was best for his career. He said he believes a fresh start with the Chargers and new defensive coordinator Jesse Minter can only help.

“Looking back, I don’t think I was in the best position,” Fulton said. “That’s exactly where I was drafted. So I had no say. I finally got an opportunity where I’m put in a position that I think is the best opportunity for me.”

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This story originally appeared in the Los Angeles Times.