Bud Dupree's Experience Benefits the Los Angeles Chargers

When the Los Angeles Chargers signed veteran defensive end Bud Dupree to a one-year contract in the 2024 offseason, they weren’t just adding a pass-rusher—they were bringing in a 10-year NFL veteran with Super Bowl experience, a locker room leader, and a player who could mentor their young defensive core. Dupree, who spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans before joining the Chargers, arrived with a resume that included 49.5 career sacks, 12 forced fumbles, and a Pro Bowl selection in 2020. But it’s his intangible contributions—his ability to read offenses, calm teammates in high-pressure moments, and share wisdom with rookies—that have made him one of the Chargers’ most valuable additions. Bud Dupree's Experience Benefits the Los Angeles Chargers explores how his veteran savvy has strengthened the Chargers’ defense and positioned them as serious playoff contenders.

Bud Dupree's Experience Benefits the Los Angeles Chargers starts with Dupree’s on-field impact as a pass-rusher—specifically, how his ability to adapt to opposing offenses has boosted the Chargers’ sack total. Unlike younger edge rushers who rely solely on speed, Dupree uses a diverse arsenal of moves (spin moves, bull rushes, and swim moves) that he’s honed over a decade in the league. In Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings, for example, Dupree faced a rookie tackle who had spent the week preparing for his speed rush. Instead, Dupree opened the game with a bull rush, driving the tackle back into the quarterback’s pocket and recording a sack on the first drive. Later in the game, he switched to a spin move to beat the same tackle again, forcing a fumble that the Chargers recovered. “Bud’s ability to adjust mid-game is something you can’t teach,” said Chargers defensive coordinator Renaldo Hill. “He studies film for hours, learns his opponent’s tendencies, and then uses that knowledge to exploit weaknesses. That’s the difference between a good pass-rusher and a great one.” Through 10 weeks, Dupree has tallied 6 sacks and 2 forced fumbles, but his true value lies in how he draws double teams, freeing up teammates like Khalil Mack to make plays.

Bud Dupree's Experience Benefits the Los Angeles Chargers focuses on Dupree’s role as a mentor to the Chargers’ young defensive linemen—particularly rookies Tuli Tuipulotu and Daiyan Henley. Every week, Dupree hosts film sessions with the rookies, breaking down opponents’ blocking schemes and explaining how to recognize pre-snap tells (like a tackle’s hand placement or a guard’s stance) that signal a run or pass. Before the Chargers’ Week 7 game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Dupree spent two hours with Tuipulotu, going over film of Bengals left tackle Jonah Williams. He pointed out that Williams tends to lean forward when blocking for a run, a detail that helped Tuipulotu record two tackles for loss that game. “Bud doesn’t just tell us what to do—he shows us why,” Tuipulotu said. “He’ll pause the film, point to a tiny detail, and say, ‘This is how you know they’re running the ball.’ That’s the kind of insight you can only get from someone who’s been in the league for 10 years.” Dupree also leads by example in practice, staying late to work on drills with the rookies and emphasizing the importance of consistency. “I remember when I was a rookie, I had veterans like James Harrison teaching me the ropes,” Dupree said. “Now it’s my turn to pay it forward. This game is about more than individual success—it’s about building a team that can win for years.”

Bud Dupree's Experience Benefits the Los Angeles Chargers delves into how Dupree’s leadership has calmed the Chargers’ defense in high-pressure moments— a skill that was on full display in their Week 9 win over the Buffalo Bills. With the Chargers leading 24-21 and the Bills driving to the Chargers’ 10-yard line with 45 seconds left, the defense looked tense: rookies were overcommitting to plays, and veterans were shouting to communicate. Dupree called a timeout, gathered the defensive line, and spoke calmly but firmly. “We’ve been here before,” he said, according to teammates. “They’re going to run a screen pass—watch the tackle’s feet. Stay disciplined, and we’ll get the stop.” Sure enough, the Bills ran a screen pass, and Dupree, who had positioned himself to cut off the play, tackled the running back for a 2-yard loss. The Chargers forced a field goal on the next play, preserving the win. “In that moment, Bud was our rock,” said Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. “He didn’t panic—he used his experience to guide us. That’s the kind of leader every championship team needs.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, who had struggled with late-game collapses in recent seasons, Dupree’s ability to steady the defense has been a game-changer. His presence has turned close losses into wins, and his teammates have noticed: “When Bud speaks, everyone listens,” James added.

Bud Dupree's Experience Benefits the Los Angeles Chargers explores how Dupree’s knowledge of playoff football has prepared the Chargers for the stretch run. Having played in 11 playoff games (including a Super Bowl appearance with the Steelers in 2019), Dupree knows what it takes to win in January—something many of the Chargers’ young players have never experienced. He’s made it a point to share stories from his playoff runs, emphasizing the importance of attention to detail (like studying film of a single opponent for 10 hours a day) and mental toughness (like staying focused during a two-week bye before a divisional round game). Before the Chargers’ Week 10 bye, Dupree organized a team meeting where he talked about his Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019. “That loss taught me that you can’t take any play for granted,” he said. “Every snap in the playoffs matters, and you have to be ready to give 100% every time you step on the field.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, who haven’t won a playoff game since 2018, Dupree’s playoff wisdom is invaluable. “Bud’s been there, done that,” said head coach Brandon Staley. “He knows what it takes to navigate the playoffs, and he’s passing that knowledge on to our team. That’s going to be crucial when we get there.”

Bud Dupree's Experience Benefits the Los Angeles Chargers concludes with how Dupree’s presence has changed the culture of the Chargers’ defense—turning a talented but inconsistent unit into a cohesive, playoff-caliber group. Before Dupree arrived, the Chargers’ defense often struggled with communication and discipline; now, they’re one of the league’s top units in third-down stops (ranked 6th) and red-zone defense (ranked 8th). His work ethic has set a standard: he’s the first player in the facility every morning and the last to leave, and he holds teammates accountable for their mistakes. “Bud doesn’t accept mediocrity,” Hill said. “He pushes everyone to be better, including the coaches. He’ll come to me after a game and say, ‘We could have called a better play here’—and he’s usually right. That kind of feedback makes us all better.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, Dupree’s experience isn’t just about what he does on the field—it’s about what he does to lift up everyone around him. As the Chargers push for a division title and a deep playoff run, Dupree’s veteran leadership will be more important than ever. In the end, Bud Dupree's Experience Benefits the Los Angeles Chargers is a story of how a seasoned veteran can transform a team—not just with his talent, but with his wisdom, work ethic, and commitment to winning.