When the Chargers fired Anthony Lynn as their head coach this month, many noted that the job is an attractive one because of how good quarterback Justin Herbert looked as a rookie.
Herbert isn’t the only Chargers player who got off to a quick start. Defensive end Joey Bosa was the defensive rookie of the year in 2016 and safety Derwin James was an All-Pro after his rookie season. That was 2018, but it may feel a bit longer because of how little James has played since then.
A foot injury before the 2019 season kept him out for 11 games and he missed all of this season with a torn meniscus in his knee. James called the latter injury “devastating” because of how long he was out in 2019 and said that he’s aching for a chance to get back on the field.
“I think I’m about to starve, how hungry I am. I can’t even lie to you,” James said, via the team’s website. “I feel like I just need to eat something. I’m hungry.”
The Chargers have the same appetite and a healthy James would be a big plus for whoever they hire as their next head coach.