Injury Awareness Raised by the Los Angeles Chargers Community

Injuries are an unavoidable part of football, but the Los Angeles Chargers community has turned this challenge into a mission: raising awareness about injury prevention, recovery, and mental health support for athletes at all levels. From players sharing their own injury stories to fans organizing fundraisers for medical research, the Chargers’ community has built a network of support that extends far beyond SoFi Stadium. This movement isn’t just about football—it’s about empowering athletes, parents, and coaches to prioritize health and reduce the risk of long-term harm. Injury Awareness Raised by the Los Angeles Chargers Community explores the diverse initiatives driving this effort, the personal stories that fuel it, and the lasting impact it’s having on sports culture in Los Angeles and beyond. For the Chargers, injury awareness isn’t just a cause—it’s a reflection of their commitment to the community that supports them.

Injury Awareness Raised by the Los Angeles Chargers Community begins with player-led campaigns that humanize the injury experience and share critical prevention tips. Quarterback Justin Herbert, who recovered from a 2022 rib injury, launched “Herbert’s Healthy Hustle” in 2025—a program that visits local high schools to teach young athletes proper warm-up techniques, safe tackling form, and the importance of reporting pain. Herbert often shares his own recovery journey, including the physical therapy and mental resilience that helped him return to the field. “When I was hurt, I realized how little I knew about injury prevention as a kid,” Herbert said. “I want to give young athletes the tools I didn’t have—so they can play the game they love without risking their long-term health.” Defensive back Derwin James Jr., a two-time injury survivor (ACL, meniscus), joined forces with Herbert to create a social media series called “Back in the Game,” where players interview medical experts and fellow athletes about recovery. The series has over 5 million views on Instagram, with fans praising its honesty and practical advice. “Players have a unique platform to reach young athletes,” James said. “If sharing my story helps one kid avoid an injury, it’s worth it.”

Injury Awareness Raised by the Los Angeles Chargers Community continues with fan-organized efforts that turn passion into action. A group of season-ticket holders, inspired by the team’s focus on health, launched “Chargers Care: Injury Awareness Walk” in downtown Los Angeles. The annual 5K walk raises funds for the UCLA Health Sports Medicine Program, which researches youth sports injury prevention and provides free clinics for underserved communities. In 2025, the walk drew over 2,000 participants, including Chargers players like linebacker Daiyan Henley and tight end Dalton Kincaid, who walked alongside fans and signed autographs. “Seeing players and fans come together for this cause was incredible,” said walk organizer Maria Gonzalez, a Chargers fan for 15 years. “We’re not just cheering for a team—we’re working to keep our kids safe. That’s the power of Chargers Nation.” Fans also created a online resource hub, “Chargers Injury Info,” which compiles articles, videos, and local clinic information for athletes and parents. The site gets over 10,000 monthly visitors, with many users noting it helped them recognize early signs of overuse injuries in their children.

Injury Awareness Raised by the Los Angeles Chargers Community also highlights the team’s partnerships with medical organizations that expand access to care and research. The Chargers announced a multi-year collaboration with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) in 2025, funding a new “Youth Sports Injury Prevention Clinic” that offers free screenings, physical therapy, and parent education workshops. The clinic has already served over 500 kids, with doctors reporting a 30% increase in families seeking early intervention for potential injuries. “The Chargers’ support has let us reach kids who wouldn’t otherwise have access to sports medicine care,” said Dr. Sarah Miller, CHLA’s lead sports medicine physician. “We’re not just treating injuries—we’re preventing them, which is life-changing for young athletes.” The team also partners with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) to host annual “Injury Awareness Nights” at home games, where medical experts set up booths to answer fan questions and distribute free prevention guides. For the Los Angeles Chargers, these partnerships are a way to turn their platform into tangible change: “We have a responsibility to use our resources to support the community,” said Chargers President of Business Operations A.G. Spanos. “Injury awareness is personal for our players, and it’s personal for our fans. Working with organizations like CHLA lets us make a real difference.”

Injury Awareness Raised by the Los Angeles Chargers Community delves into educational events that bridge the gap between professional athletes and local coaches. The Chargers host an annual “Coach’s Clinic: Injury Prevention” at their training facility, where NFL strength and conditioning coaches and medical staff teach local youth coaches about safe practice plans, proper equipment fitting, and recognizing signs of concussion. Coaches receive a free “Injury Prevention Playbook,” which includes sample drills and recovery schedules tailored to different sports. In 2025, over 300 coaches attended the clinic, with 90% reporting they planned to implement the tips in their teams. “As a coach, you want to push your kids—but not at the cost of their health,” said Mike Torres, a high school football coach from Inglewood. “The Chargers’ clinic gave me the tools to balance competitiveness with safety. My team had half as many injuries this season because of what I learned.” The Chargers also offer online courses for coaches who can’t attend in person, making the information accessible to rural and underserved areas. For the Los Angeles Chargers, educating coaches is a key part of their strategy: “Coaches are on the front lines of youth sports,” said Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh. “If we can equip them with the right knowledge, we can protect thousands of young athletes every year.”

Injury Awareness Raised by the Los Angeles Chargers Community concludes with the lasting impact of these efforts on sports culture and public health. Since the Chargers launched their injury awareness initiatives in 2025, local high schools in Los Angeles have reported a 25crease in severe sports injuries, and youth sports participation has increased by 15%—with parents citing the team’s educational resources as a reason they feel more comfortable letting their kids play. The NFL has even adopted some of the Chargers’ programs league-wide, with teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers launching their own injury awareness campaigns inspired by Los Angeles. “The Chargers didn’t just start a local movement—they started a national conversation,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “Their commitment to injury awareness is setting a new standard for what it means to be a community-focused team.” For the Chargers community, the work is far from over: they’re planning to expand the “Chargers Care Walk” to other California cities and launch a new mental health initiative for athletes recovering from injuries. “Injury awareness isn’t a one-time project,” said Justin Herbert. “It’s a lifelong commitment—to our fans, our community, and every athlete who loves this game.” In the end, Injury Awareness Raised by the Los Angeles Chargers Community is a story of connection: how a football team and its fans came together to turn a shared challenge into a force for good. For the Chargers, it’s proof that sports can be more than entertainment—they can be a catalyst for healthier, safer communities.