Tickets are available now at the Chargers’ ticket office at Gate C at Qualcomm Stadium, at www.Chargers.com and through TicketMaster at 800-745-3000.

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The San Diego Chargers signed veteran free agent tackle Jon Runyan today to the active roster.  Runyan replaces starting right tackle Jeromey Clary on the roster after Clary was placed on Reserve-Injured with an ankle injury.

Runyan, who turns 36 on Friday, has been one of the NFL’s premier offensive tackles over the previous 13 seasons.  His career statistics demonstrate a model of consistency and durability.  The past 12 seasons (1997-08), he never missed a regular season or postseason start, totaling 213 straight games (192 consecutive regular season starts and 21 postseason starts). 

“We are very fortunate that a player of Jon’s experience and ability was available at this time,” said Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith.  “He is an outstanding competitor, and I have always admired the physical, nasty approach he brings to the field every game.  He will be added to the mix and we will move forward.”

During his career, Runyan has played in two Super Bowls, including Super Bowl XXXIV with Tennessee following the 1999 season and Super Bowl XXXIX with Philadelphia following the ’04 season; five Championship Games, and the Pro Bowl following the 2002 season.

Runyan, 6-7, 330, played collegiately at Michigan where he was selected in the fourth round (109th overall) in 1996 by the Houston Oilers.  He played for Houston/Tennessee from 1996-99 before joining the Eagles as an unrestricted free agent in 2000.  Runyan started every game for Philadelphia at right tackle from 2000-08.

7,300 tickets remain for game Nov. 29;
NFL TV blackout appears imminent

More than 7,300 tickets still need to be sold for the Chargers' next home game versus the Kansas City Chiefs on Nov. 29 to lift the local television blackout.  With the large number of tickets still unsold, it appears likely that the game will be blacked out in Southern California.  It would be the first Chargers regular season or postseason game blacked out since Nov. 7, 2004.  Since then, the team has sold enough tickets to lift the NFL's local blackout of 44 consecutive games.

"It is extremely unlikely that we will sell 1,000 tickets a day for the next seven days," said Chief Operating Officer Jim Steeg. Chargers games always get the highest overall television rating each week in the San Diego market.  For example, last week's game against the Philadelphia Eagles drew a 32.5 rating and a 60 share.  That means that app. one-third of all households in San Diego were tuned to the game, and 60 percent of all televisions that were on at that time were watching the Chargers.  

The Chargers designated their game against the Chiefs as the team's 50th Anniversary Weekend at which the recently-chosen "Greatest Chargers" of all-time will be in attendance and introduced.

"That game is sure to be one the fans in attendance will remember for a long time," Steeg said. Tickets are available now at the Chargers' ticket office at Gate C at Qualcomm Stadium, at www.Chargers.com and through TicketMaster at 800-745-3000.

Clark (6-5, 325) originally joined the Chargers as a seventh-round draft pick in 2008 out of Texas A&M. He was on the active roster for 15 games last season. He was active for two contests as a rookie but did not see any playing time. Clark spent the first 10 weeks of this season on the practice squad.

To take Clark's place on the practice squad, the Chargers signed offensive tackle Gerald Cadogan. A rookie out of Penn State, Cadogan attended training camp this summer with the Carolina Panthers and recently spent time on the Cincinnati Bengals' practice squad.

Future NFL Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson and Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Fouts were the leading vote-getters among the 53 players and coaches selected as the Greatest Chargers of all time during the team’s 50th Anniversary Season.  More than 400,000 votes were cast online during the popular fan campaign, presented by Pepsi and AT&T. 

The Greatest Chargers, who will be officially introduced on Nov. 27 at the Chargers 50th Anniversary Block Party in Downtown San Diego, include seven Pro Football Hall of Fame members, four NFL Man of the Year winners and 11 current players. The giant Block Party is part of a three-day Celebration Weekend, presented by Coors Light, set to take place Nov. 27-29, culminating when the all-time greats are introduced on the field at Qualcomm Stadium prior to the Chargers-Chiefs game on Sunday, Nov. 29.

“This is an amazing list of athletes and coaches,” said Chargers President Dean Spanos.  “These names bring back so many great memories for me.  It really makes you appreciate the rich history and tradition of this team and organization.” 

Tomlinson, the NFL’s 12th all-time leading rusher with 12,145 yards, currently holds or shares a total of 28 team records. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his first eight NFL seasons, one of only three players in NFL history to do so. Tomlinson has earned multiple honors throughout his career, including NFL MVP, NFL Player of the Year and NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2006.

“It’s a great honor, especially when you think about all of the players that have come through here throughout the 50 year history,” explained Tomlinson.  “To be considered to be one of the greatest in the organizations history is a great honor and something you take pride in.”

A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Chuck Muncie was known for his smooth, powerful running style. Muncie ran for 1,144 yards and a NFL-high 19 touchdowns in 1981. He rushed for 120 yards and a touchdown in the Chargers’ epic playoff victory in Miami during the 1981 season, and followed that with 94 yards in that season’s AFC title game, known as the Freezer Bowl.  He was named an All-NFL selection in 1982 and ranks second in team history for most career rushing touchdowns (43) and most in a season (19).

“For me, it’s one of the biggest honors that I have ever received,” Muncie said. “To just be nominated amongst a group of elite athletes like that is amazing for me and to be actually selected is fantastic. It’s the fact that the combination of my whole career and everything that I’ve tried to accomplish is starting to be recognized, and when you get a chance to be in a group like that, it’s amazing.”

Quentin Jammer is the current veteran leader of the Chargers’ secondary.  In 2008, he broke up 19 passes and had three forced fumbles. The Chargers' top selection and the No.5 overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft,  Jammer has become one the league's premier shutdown cornerbacks. He's the epitome of consistency at the cornerback position and ranks among the team's best tacklers and pass defenders year after year.

“It’s great to be recognized as one of the greatest players in Chargers history,” Jammer said. “There have been a lot of great players who have come through here and just to be mentioned with that group really makes me proud and happy to be recognized.” 

Gill Byrd, currently in his fourth season as a coach for the Chicago Bears, compiled a standout 10-year NFL career with the Chargers. Byrd is the team’s all-time leader in interceptions (42) and interception return yards (546). He led all NFL cornerbacks in interceptions for three consecutive seasons (1989-91) and paced the Chargers in four straight years (1988-91).

“Being selected as one of the greatest Chargers in team history is an honor, it really is,” Byrd said. “In a nutshell, it means that a lot of the sacrifice, hard work, time and commitment that I put into being one of the best has paid off and I am just appreciative that I was chosen as one of the top Chargers of all time. I am honored and humbled.”

These Greatest Chargers will be honored during pre-game festivities on Nov. 29 when the Chargers take on the Kansas City Chiefs at Qualcomm Stadium. All fans in attendance will receive a commemorative 50th Anniversary wrist band, compliments of AT& T.

The Chargers 50th Anniversary Block Party is set for Friday, Nov. 27 from 5-11 pm in the Gaslamp Quarter.  The largest tailgate party of the year will take place on Fifth Avenue in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, between Island and J Streets. The team and the San Diego Hall of Champions have partnered on the event that will celebrate 50 years of Chargers football with live entertainment on two stages, interactive games, celebrity and player appearances and much more. Tickets to celebrate 50 years of Chargers football are just $35 and are available through www.Chargers.com as well as at the Chargers Ticket Office at Qualcomm Stadium and the San Diego Hall of Champions.  Additional information is available at www.Chargers.com. 

Here is a position-by-position look at the players and coaches selected by vote of the fans as well as the current members of the team’s Hall of Fame: 

QUARTERBACKS

Dan Fouts

John Hadl

Stan Humphries

Philip Rivers

RUNNING BACKS

Keith Lincoln

Paul Lowe

Natrone Means

Chuck Muncie

LaDainian Tomlinson

WIDE RECEIVERS

Lance Alworth

Wes Chandler

Gary Garrison

John Jefferson

Charlie Joiner

TIGHT END

Antonio Gates

Kellen Winslow

OFFENSIVE TACKLES

Ron Mix

Russ Washington

Ernie Wright

OFFENSIVE GUARDS

Kris Dielman

Walt Sweeney

Ed White

Doug Wilkerson

CENTERS

Nick Hardwick

Don Macek

DEFENSIVE ENDS

Fred Dean

Earl Faison

Leslie O’Neal

DEFENSIVE TACKLES

Gary Johnson

Louie Kelcher

Ernie Ladd

Jamal Williams

LINEBACKERS

Chuck Allen

Woodrow Lowe

Shawne Merriman

Junior Seau

Billy Ray Smith

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Willie Buchanon

Gill Byrd

Rodney Harrison

Quentin Jammer

Charlie McNeil

KICKERS

Rolf Benirschke

John Carney

KICK RETURNERS

Speedy Duncan

Darren Sproles

PUNTERS

Darren Bennett

Mike Scifres

SPECIAL TEAMERS

Hank Bauer

Kassim Osgood

COACHES

Don Coryell

Sid Gillman

Bobby Ross

Postgame Notes
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS vs. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
Qualcomm Stadium (70,000) – San Diego, California
Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009

LaDainian Tomlinson moved into 12th place on the NFL’s all-time rushing list today as he finished the day with 12,145 career yards. He moved past Thurman Thomas (12,074) and Franco Harris (12,120). Marcus Allen is 11th with 12,243 yards, 98 ahead of Tomlinson.
 
He also moved into sole possession of third place on the NFL’s all-time touchdowns list with 146. He passed Allen (145). Emmitt Smith is second with 175.
 
It was the second time this season (at Kansas City) that Tomlinson had more than 20 carries in a game and the Chargers improved to 52-24  (.684) during his career and 2-0 this season in games when he’s had 20-plus carries.
 
Philip Rivers completed a career-high 80 percent of his passes today, going 20-of-25.

His 131.8 passer rating was a season-high.
 
Mike Tolbert and Legedu Naanee both had their first touchdown catches of the season today.
 
Antonio Gates had a team-leading seven catches today, including four in the first quarter when the Chargers staked out to a 7-0 lead.
 
The Chargers had two sacks today, one each by Brandon Siler and Paul Oliver. For each, it was their first-career sack.
 
Antonio Cromartie recorded his team-leading third interception of the season on the game’s final play.
 
Today’s attendance of 68,789 was the third-largest in team history.

Targeting elementary and middle school-aged children in San Diego and Orange counties, Fuel Up to Play 60 provides nutrition education and physical activity programs and incentives to students for free.  The programs focus on making smart choices about nutrition and activity, including "fueling up" with nutrient-rich foods such as low-fat and fat-free dairy foods, fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and "getting up to play" 60 minutes a day.

"Lifestyle habits - both good and bad - are typically formed at an early age," said Peggy Biltz, Dairy Council of California CEO.  "By providing comprehensive, grade-specific nutrition education programs and emphasizing physical fitness, Fuel Up to Play 60 will teach kids that eating right and staying active are important for their futures."

Beginning Oct. 15, 2009 and running through the 2009-2010 school year, teachers and administrators can enter to compete with other local public schools to win a variety of Charger prizes through eating nutritious foods, being active and participating in suggested in-school programs and activities.  Prizes include a school assembly with a Chargers player, autographed Chargers merchandise, Charger Girl visits and game tickets.

"It's important that kids understand the importance of good nutrition and exercise at an early age," said Chargers Executive Vice President A.G. Spanos.  "Fuel Up to Play 60's programs and incentives will  not only get kids excited about learning healthy lifestyle skills, but the overall program compliments our Chargers Champions program, which has already provided fitness and athletic equipment to deserving schools.  Our goal is to keep giving kids a reason to use the equipment and ultimately live healthier lives."

Public schools that enroll in Fuel Up to Play 60 receive grade-specific nutrition education programs developed by Dairy Council of California.  The programs teach students about eating a balanced diet and are based on the most current Dietary Guidelines for Americans and USDA's MyPyramid food guidance system.

These schools also receive a Fuel Up to Play 60 School Wellness Kits, which includes posters, banners, display cubes and more featuring San Diego Charger Kassim Osgood.  To receive nutrition education programs, Fuel Up to Play 60 materials and enter the competition, school representatives can call 866/572-1359 or visit http://www.dairycouncilofca.org/educators .

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Dairy Council of California develops nutrition education programs that promote making healthy choices from all the food groups and regular physical activity. For more information, please visit http://www.mealsmatter.org or http://www.dairycouncilofca.org. Healthy Eating Made Easier.

Enough tickets have been sold to lift the local television blackout and allow San Diego to see the Fox telecast of the Chargers-Eagles game on Sunday, Nov. 15 at Qualcomm Stadium.  Kickoff is 1:15 p.m. PT.  The game will be televised in San Diego on Fox 5.  Thom Brennaman and Brian Billick will call the action and Charissa Thompson will report from the sidelines.  A very limited number of tickets, including Club Level tickets, are still available at the Chargers' ticket office at Gate C at Qualcomm Stadium, at www.Chargers.com and through TicketMaster at 800-745-3000.

The Chargers' next home game is Sunday, Nov. 29 versus the Kansas City Chiefs.  Approximately 8,000 tickets still need to be sold to lift the local television blackout.  A similar number needs is still available for the team's games against Cincinnati (Dec. 20) and Washington (Jan. 3).

This weekend's game is the 44th consecutive regular season or postseason Chargers home game to be televised live in Southern California, tying for the longest such streak in team history.  The last regular-season home game blacked out in the local market was on Nov. 7, 2004 versus the New Orleans Saints.  The team record was set from 1979-84.  The Chargers are strongly recommending that fans attending Sunday's game use mass transit or carpool, and arrive EARLY.  The parking lot at Qualcomm Stadium will open at 9:00 am for general parking and 8:00 am for those with pre-purchased permits. The lot is expected to fill and close early, so fans are encouraged to get to the stadium gates early to ensure that they are in their seats for kickoff.

To avoid heavy traffic around the stadium on Interstates 8 and 15, fans can reach the stadium via the Friars Rd. East exit off of Highway 163.

The San Diego Chargers and MTS are partnering this year to run a series of food drives starting Nov. 10 and ending with a game day food drive at the Chargers vs. Philadelphia game at Qualcomm Stadium Nov. 15.

Starting Tuesday, Nov. 10, MTS will host "Stuff the Bus Food Drives" at select Vons supermarket parking lots where the public will be invited to stuff an MTS bus full of food to feed hungry San Diegans over the holiday season.

The Chargers and MTS will officially launch the food drive at a press conference at Qualcomm Stadium, Gate C on Nov. 10 at 10:30 a.m. with Vincent Jackson, Supervisor Ron Roberts and Food Bank officials.

On Sunday, Nov. 15 the Chargers will host a game-day food drive at Qualcomm Stadium with the Food Bank's famous red food drive collection barrels at every stadium entrance.

The Food Bank is appealing to the community to support the food drives since it is currently feeding record numbers of San Diegans, and Food Bank officials say that this year's food drive is of critical importance. All food collected will help the Food Bank meet the exponential increase in demand, especially over the holiday season. 

Food drive locations include:

Tues., Nov. 10, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Vons 6555 Mission Gorge Road,  92120

Weds., Nov. 11, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Vons Balboa Avenue, 92111 

Thurs., Nov. 12, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Vons 3610 Adams Avenue, 92116

Fri., Nov.13, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Vons 665 Saturn Street, 92154

Sun. Nov. 15, 12 noon - 3 p.m. Qualcomm Stadium, Chargers vs. Philadelphia game

Metropolitan Transit System CEO Paul Jablonski says, "MTS is pleased to unite with the Chargers to once again help the community with a food drive.  Stuff the Bus has become an important tradition at MTS and we hope our combined efforts will help those in need."

The San Diego Food Bank cites its distribution statistics at the start of the food drive campaign that show double and triple-digit increases in demand from cities across the county.

The Food Bank's figures compare the amount of food it distributed during the first two quarters of 2008 with the same period this year.

From January to June, the amount of food distributed to the needy doubled and tripled in key cities across the county. The number of meals distributed by the Food Bank in the City of San Diego alone increased from 1.6 million to 2.4 million.

SDFB distribution increases Q1-Q2 2008 vs. Q1-Q2 2009

City % Increase
El Cajon 32%
Fallbrook 100%
Imperial Beach 202%
La Mesa 31%
Lemon Grove 144%
National City 13%
Oceanside 12%
San Diego 39%
San Ysidro 29%
Spring Valley 80%
Vista 86%

Based on the number of people enrolled on Food Bank programs and reports from its nonprofit partners, the number of people served by the Food Bank every month has increased from 200,000 to 304,000 from 2008 to 2009, an increase of 52%. 

Food Bank CEO J. Scofield Hage said: "We are so grateful to MTS and the Chargers for supporting the Food Bank with these important food drives. Getting more food donated to the Food Bank will be critical this year with demand soaring. We are feeding more people than ever before, but it is due to the help of organizations like MTS and the Chargers that we are able to meet the increased need."

NFL Ticket Exchange by Ticketmaster Ranks San Diego Chargers vs. New York Giants #2 most in-demand matchup on week 9 “NFL Ticket Exchange Buzz Index”

The NFL Ticket Exchange Is the Official Ticket Exchange of the NFL & the Only Resale Marketplace Backed by Ticketmaster’s Barcode Authentication Technology
for Guaranteed Game Day Tickets

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – November 5, 2009 – The AFC West San Diego Chargers (4-3) head east to the Meadowlands this Sunday to take on the NFC East New York Giants (5-3), with both teams looking to bolster their positions in the playoff hunt.

The Chargers/Giants matchup ranks #2 on the “NFL Ticket Exchange Buzz Index” for Week 9 according to the NFL Ticket Exchange by Ticketmaster.

The Chargers, who handed the Oakland Raiders a 24-16 defeat last Sunday to start a two-game winning streak, can put themselves firmly into the AFC playoff running with a win in New York. While the Giants, who suffered a crushing 40-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8, look to refocus their sights on the playoffs and keep pace in the NFC East with a win at home.

Week 9 – Top 5 Most Popular NFL Matchups BY DEMAND
*According to the “NFL Ticket Exchange Buzz Index”

1. Pittsburgh Steelers @ Denver Broncos
2. San Diego Chargers @ New York Giants
3. Carolina Panthers @ New Orleans Saints
4. Arizona Cardinals @ Chicago Bears
5. Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles

Fans can access the NFL Ticket Exchange at NFL.com/ticketexchange or through direct links from NFL.com or Ticketmaster.com.  Fans benefit from using the only NFL ticket resale marketplace with the exclusive ability to offer ticket barcode validation for most tickets, interactive seating maps allowing fans the ability to search for tickets by location, price, and number of tickets, and secure and anonymous transactions.

*The NFL Ticket Exchange “Buzz Index” utilizes a proprietary algorithm incorporating site traffic, ticket demand, sales volume and ticket revenue to calculate each game’s popularity for the week. 

Fans can reach dedicated customer service for the NFL Ticket Exchange by phone at 1-888-635-5944 and email at nflticketexchange@ticketmaster.com.

Top 3 Ticket Buying Tips From the NFL and Ticketmaster:

1. Only tickets purchased directly from your NFL team’s ticket office, Ticketmaster or the NFL Ticket Exchange www.nfl.com/ticketexchange are barcode validated to give you guaranteed access into the game.
2. Check Ticketmaster, the NFL Ticket Exchange or your team’s Ticket Office as new ticket inventory may become available.
3. A “buyers beware” for fans who choose to purchase tickets from third party online exchanges, auction sites, bulletin boards or individuals. Be cautious if purchasing e-tickets, or from sellers asking for payment via a cashier’s check or money wires.

About the NFL Ticket Exchange by Ticketmaster

The National Football League (NFL) and Ticketmaster, a Ticketmaster Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ:TKTM) operating business, have partnered to create the NFL Ticket Exchange by Ticketmaster, the first and only resale marketplace that provides NFL fans looking to buy or sell NFL tickets a safe, convenient, and League-endorsed resale platform. Through this groundbreaking partnership, the NFL and Ticketmaster are able to deliver fans exclusive access to barcode-authenticated NFL game tickets when purchased from the NFL Ticket Exchange. Additionally, for the majority of tickets purchased via the NFL Ticket Exchange by Ticketmaster, fans have instant access to their tickets via Ticketmaster’s TicketFast delivery, which provides fans access to print their tickets within hours of each sale, alleviating the need for time-consuming and expensive mail delivery options. The NFL Ticket Exchange by Ticketmaster is accessible from Ticketmaster.com and NFL.com.

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