by Natalie Faulk

Created on: January 15, 2008   Last Updated: November 06, 2010

Being a San Diego Chargers fan is not for the squeamish. It requires grit, wit, and the ability to take a lot of, um, poop.

Let me backtrack a moment. I grew up in Denver, Colorado. Yes, home of the Donkeys, er Broncos and the 2nd most annoying fans in the entire league (behind New England.) I was a Raiders fan because my grandpa was a Raiders fan (not a good reason, I know, and let me say therapy has worked wonders.) But I digress.

Fast forward to 1993. As a wedding gift, my ex-husband purchased Chargers season tickets for our new life together. And, as he is my ex, he kept the tickets in the divorce; however, I have since gotten my own pair, albeit not as close to the field, but fine seats nonetheless. Yes, fine seats. Fine. Good. They are good. They are great. Bitter? No, not me.

Anyway, shortly thereafter the Chargers made it to the big game. Yes sirree, the 1994 season was a good one. Beating the Dolphins at home, then defeating the Steelers in Pittsburgh. Chargers fans were riding high on the shoulders of Natrone Means and Stan Humphries. Well, until Super Bowl XXIX in Miami, Florida, when the San Francisco 49ers slaughtered the poor Bolts 49-26. But let's not dwell on unpleasantness.

Soon thereafter, after some less-than-stellar seasons came the 1998 NFL Draft. And as all true Chargers fans are cringing at this very moment, this historic event ushered in the Ryan Leaf era; Leaf chosen #2 behind Peyton Manning. As ESPN once stated in one of its "Top 25" programs, Ryan Leaf was the #1 worst mistake in the history of the NFL; even ahead of the dismal XFL League.

Soon, thereafter, after some less-than-stellar seasons (whoa...deja vu!), and that lovely 1-15 record, came the 2001 NFL Draft. This time San Diego had the #1 pick and they selected (drum roll please) Michael Vick (who I think surpasses Leaf as the biggest mistake in the history of the NFL.) Interestingly, during this same draft a young TCU running back named LaDainian Tomlinson was waiting to be selected. Due to the complete lack of foresight by Arizona, Cleveland, and Cincinnati, the Chargers traded Vick for Tomlinson - in my opinion the BEST trade in the history of the NFL.

Since then, the Chargers have had their share of ups and downs. Ups being AFC West Champions for three of the past four years, watching Tomlinson shatter practically every NFL running back record out there, and (at least for me) beating the Broncos four straight games. But these were not without downs. The first being the

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