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

San Diego Chargers lightning bolts will take over the Gaslamp Quarter on Friday, Nov. 27 when the Chargers host their 50th Anniversary Block Party from 5-11 PM. 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.

The highlight of the Block Party will be the introduction of the Greatest Chargers of all time as selected by vote of the team’s fans as well as members of the Chargers Hall of Fame and select football aficionados. The Block Party will heat up with hot musical acts and DJs performing live on two stages. The introduction of the Greatest Chargers will kick off the party. After honoring these current and former greats, Super Diamond, a Neil Diamond tribute band, will get the crowd singing along to “Sweet Caroline.” Then the pop band Fountains of Wayne will rock the Gaslamp Quarter with favorite hits such as “Stacy’s Mom” and “Too Cool for School.” In between this musical line-up, Scooter & Lavelle will keep the energy flowing throughout the night as they spin the latest tracks. Partiers can choose to join the crowd by the main stage or upgrade their experience in the VIP area. This VIP experience includes a chic outdoor lounge with luxurious cabanas and fancy food and beverage opportunities.

Stage 2 will be the turned into Club Chargers where the DJ stage will keep the dance floor moving. The nearby Bolt Bubble Lounge will offer guests a chance to relax among the excitement. Athletic skills will be put to the test in the ultimate Fan Fest zone, including a variety of high-energy and exciting interactive games. A fully-stocked merchandise tent also will be available.

Block Party tickets also grant access into more than 20 East Village and Gaslamp Quarter hotspots where they’ll be offering drink specials courtesy of Block Party partner Coors Light. Complimentary designated driver buses will provide partiers with a safe ride home to anywhere in San Diego County.

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

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Fans have only seven days to cast their final votes on Chargers.com for the 50 Greatest Chargers before voting ends on Monday, Oct. 19.  More than 300,000 votes have already been registered and more votes keep coming in. 

Fans have also been voting for the Greatest Moment and may continue to vote throughout the season on http://bolts50.chargers.com and at any of the Brigantine Family of Restaurants. The top 10 vote-getters in the running for the 50 Greatest Chargers:

1. Dan Fouts - QB, 1973-87
2. LaDainian Tomlinson - RB, 2001-Present
3. Junior Seau - LB, 1990-02
4. Antonio Gates - TE, 2003-Present
5. Kellen Winslow - TE, 1979-87
6. Charlie Joiner - WR, 1976-86
7. Lance Alworth - WR, 1962-70
8. Shawne Merriman - LB, 2005-Present
9. Rodney Harrison - S, 1994-02
10. Don Coryell - Head Coach, 1978-86

The final list of the 50 Greatest Chargers will be announced and the men introduced on Nov. 27 at the Chargers 50th Anniversary Block Party in Downtown San Diego.

As voting is wrapping up for the 50 Greatest Chargers, the race is on for the Greatest Moment in Chargers history. In no particular order, here's a look at the current top five vote-getters for the Greatest Moment:

1. KEITH LINCOLN, CHARGERS WIN AFL CHAMPIONSHIP - January 5, 1964
The Chargers cap a magical 1963 season with a resounding 51-10 victory over the Patriots in Balboa Stadium to win the AFL Championship. Keith Lincoln bombards the Patriots with 349 total yards.

2. THE EPIC IN MIAMI - January 2, 1982
The Chargers score a dramatic, 41-38 victory in overtime over the Miami Dolphins at the Orange Bowl. Trailing with just 58 seconds left, Dan Fouts hit James Brooks on a nine-yard TD pass to tie the game. Despite suffering from severe cramps, Kellen Winslow recorded a playoff recorded 13 receptions for 166 yards and a touchdown. He also blocked a field goal to prevent the Dolphins from winning the game. Rolf Benirschke's 27-yard field goal after 13:52 of overtime gives San Diego the victory. The team is greeted by thousands of ecstatic fans in the stadium parking lot upon its return.

3. ON TO THE SUPER BOWL - January 15, 1995
Dennis Gibson bats down a pass in the end zone in the final seconds as the Chargers upset the Pittsburgh Steelers 17-13, and head to the Super Bowl. San Diego rejoices when the Chargers return home from Pittsburgh to an ecstatic crowd of more than 70,000 fans at Jack Murphy Stadium.

4. LADAINIAN TOMLINSON SETS THE RECORD AGAINST DENVER - December 10, 2006
LT scored three touchdowns vs. Denver to total 29 at that pointing the season to set a new NFL record. His teammates lift him on their shoulders following his third touchdown of the day.

5. THE KNOCKOUT PUNCH - January 1, 2009
Trailing 17-14 in the fourth quarter, San Diego rallies for a game tying field goal and defeats the Indianapolis Colts, 23-17, in overtime in an AFC Wild Card Playoff game at Qualcomm Stadium. Darren Sproles, who racked up 328 all-purpose yards in the game, wins the contest with a 22-yard touchdown run in overtime.

Voting results for the Greatest Moment will be presented at the Chargers' last regular season home game against the Washington Redskins on January 3, 2010.

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Chargers lightning bolts will take over Downtown San Diego on Friday, Nov. 27 when the Chargers culminate their 50th anniversary with a giant 50th Anniversary Block Party. It will be the biggest football tailgate party of the year. The block party will be open from 5-11 pm. The highlight of the Party will be the introduction of the 50 Greatest Chargers of all time, as voted by fans on Chargers.com. Aside from the appearances by these current and former greats, the Charger Girls and a host of other celebrities will be on hand.

Upon entering the Block Party at 7th and Market Streets, guests will be treated to a strong musical lineup as well as an assortment of food and beverages options. The Block Party is the opening act of the three-day Anniversary Weekend on Nov. 27-29, presented by Coors Light. The weekend culminates when the Chargers take on the Kansas City Chiefs on Nov. 29 and the 50 Greatest Chargers are introduced on the field.

Fans began voting for the Greatest Chargers in August and the voting continues on http://bolts50.Chargers.com through Oct. 19. Chargers.com, the official website of the Chargers, is the only site for the team's 50th Anniversary Celebration. Chargers.com will provide fans with every conceivable opportunity to enjoy and relive 50 years of Chargers football.

Tickets cost $35 and are available for purchase on Click n' Print: https://tix.cnptix.com/tix/SilverStream/Pages/pgIndex.html?siteID=1526

Fans selecting 50 Greatest Chargers
and Greatest Chargers Moment