SAN DIEGO -- The Chargers’ two-day return to San Diego is officially in the books, and they’re now set to resume training camp at The Bolt in El Segundo.
Their practices at the University of San Diego offered a clear reminder of the fan support that still exists in the city—eight years after the team relocated.
“To be able to share it down here, especially in front of great fans and crowds in the San Diego community,” quarterback Justin Herbert said. “It’s time to kind of take a step back and breathe it in.”
Herbert certainly embraced the moment, especially when it came to interacting with fans. On Tuesday, he signed autographs for about 20 minutes before heading into a media session at the Warren Hospitality Suite inside the Jenny Craig Pavilion. Once finished, he walked out and signed even more autographs.
After he left, the media spoke with safety Derwin James for about ten minutes. Looking out from the balcony, reporters saw Herbert again—signing more autographs. James joined him, spending another 20 minutes engaging with fans.
Justin Herbert again signing autographs for a while. Daiyan Henley jumped in and signed a full row of autographs. Players raved about feeling the love both days at USD. pic.twitter.com/kUoiBWYSdZ
— Fernando Ramirez (@RealFRamirez) July 23, 2025
“It’s beautiful to be here,” linebacker Daiyan Henley said. “We're in SD, the love is here.”
Following Tuesday’s practice, the team visited the USS Abraham Lincoln, where they conducted a walkthrough with military members. Afterward, the players were given a tour of the ship by their hosts.
Roughly 3,000 military personnel and their families were present at USD for Tuesday’s session.
Wednesday brought even more energy, with season ticket holders packing the stands. Over 8,000 fans braved the hotter weather to catch a glimpse of the team.
“It’s great to be here in San Diego, seeing all these fans,” offensive coordinator Greg Roman said. “Must have been five, 6000 people there today, watching practice. Love the passion. Love all our fans. But it's really neat opportunity to be down here in San Diego practicing.”
After practice, fans—having learned from the day before—lined up along the fence by the buses to catch the players on their way out.
Rookie running back Omarion Hampton received a wave of cheers as he signed autographs and chatted with fans. Cornerback Tarheeb Still, Henley, defensive tackle Scott Matlock, and several others stopped by to sign as well.
On the opposite side of the field was Herbert once again, donning his UV contacts. Fans playfully shouted, “He has become Anakin Skywalker,” referencing the red-eyed look that mirrors a Sith Lord from Star Wars.
Herbert easily spent close to an hour each day signing autographs.
“They've showed tons of support, tons of love,” rookie receiver Ladd McConkey said. “So I think this was a was an awesome trip, and I'm glad we did it.”
There’s always chatter about whether the team should have ever left San Diego, and those sentiments won’t go away anytime soon. But this two-day visit was a smart move—an intentional way to show appreciation to their former home.
Jim Harbaugh may not say it outright, but this trip felt like an olive branch to the city. It was two days this year—maybe it becomes a full week next year.
Now, the Chargers return to El Segundo for three more days of practice before their scheduled off day on Sunday.
“We love our fans everywhere,” James said. “But just seeing the environment down here, man. It's just how much support I've seen so many number three jerseys today, the new colors, it made my heart warm. Just having so much support, I can't wait to give him something to cheer for.”
As for Wednesday’s practice:
The wide receiver room continues to be a major storyline following Mike Williams’ retirement. The only returning veteran on the roster who played last year is Quentin Johnston, now entering his third season (Jalen Reagor has more experience, but didn’t spend much time on the active roster).
Still, Roman isn’t worried.
“I look at it more as the they're hungry and hardworking and diligent every day,” Roman said. “That's a trade off I'm willing to make anytime.”
Johnston had some highlights early in camp, but Wednesday afternoon had its bumps. During 7-on-7 drills, he ran an in-breaking route and had plenty of space—but dropped the pass when it came his way.
Drops have been an issue in the past, but coaches and teammates have praised his offseason improvement.
“Every play is not going to be perfect,” Roman said. “There's going to be a drop here and there. I asked him, what happened? He gave me the exact right answer from a fundamental standpoint. It was simple, fundamental thing. He's one of the I told him the other day. I said, Quentin you're one of those guys that's just going to keep getting better and better and better.”
One of the standouts in San Diego was fifth-round pick KeAndre Lambert-Smith. During 7-on-7s, he beat cornerback Deane Leonard on a high-pointed grab from quarterback Trey Lance. Later, in 11-on-11, he matched up with Cam Hart and caught a 30-yard pass on a 4th down heave—again adjusting midair to haul it in.
Ysa Garcia - The Sporting Tribune
Los Angeles Chargers Wide Receiver Ladd McConkey #15 doing catching drills during Chargers Training Camp on July 23, 2025 in San Diego, CA.
He got up and mimicked Maximus from Gladiator, raising his hands as if to say, “Are you not entertained?”
"He had two great practices [in San Diego]," Roman said of Lambert-Smith. "I have to go back and watch this tape but he made a couple of adjustments today on the ball that you can't coach."
Second-round pick Tre Harris also impressed, making a strong sideline grab on 4th down from Herbert, more than 15 yards downfield.
The rookies are making an early case for real playing time—especially on a team that ranked middle-of-the-pack in red zone touchdown efficiency last season.
“They're getting better and better every day,” McConkey said. “You come in during OTAs and you're running around with your head cut off and have no idea what's going on...but now you can see them starting to play more fast and more free.”