Ja'Sir Taylor's Memories with the Los Angeles Chargers

For Ja'Sir Taylor, his three seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers (2022–2024) were filled with memories that transcended wins and losses—moments of triumph, camaraderie, and growth that defined his early NFL career. From a late-round draft pick fighting to make the roster to a trusted starter in the secondary, Taylor’s journey with the Chargers was marked by small, meaningful moments that stayed with him long after he left the team. Ja'Sir Taylor's Memories with the Los Angeles Chargers explores the stories and experiences he cherishes most, from his first NFL snap to the bonds he formed with teammates and fans.

Ja'Sir Taylor's Memories with the Los Angeles Chargers begins with his rookie debut in Week 3 of 2022—a moment he calls “the realization of a lifelong dream.” Taylor, a sixth-round pick out of Wake Forest, had spent the first two weeks of the season on the Chargers’ practice squad, unsure if he’d ever get a chance to play. When cornerback Bryce Callahan injured his hamstring in pregame warmups against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Taylor was suddenly activated to the game-day roster. He played 12 snaps on special teams, including a pivotal punt coverage play where he tackled Jaguars returner Jamal Agnew at the 15-yard line, preventing a potential touchdown. “I was so nervous I could barely breathe before the game,” Taylor recalled in a 2024 interview. “But when I stepped onto the field, all that went away. I just kept thinking, ‘Don’t mess up—make the most of this.’” After the game, head coach Brandon Staley pulled Taylor aside and said, “You belong here.” Those words, Taylor said, “fueled me for the rest of the season.” The memory of that debut still brings a smile to his face: “It wasn’t a big play, but it was my play. My first chance to contribute to this team.”

A memory Taylor holds dear is his first NFL interception in Week 14 of 2022—a clutch play that helped the Chargers secure a win over the Indianapolis Colts and keep their playoff hopes alive. With the Colts driving to the Chargers’ 20-yard line and leading 17–14 in the third quarter, Taylor lined up as the nickel cornerback. Colts quarterback Matt Ryan attempted a quick pass to wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., but Taylor read the play perfectly, stepped in front of Pittman, and hauled in the interception. He returned it 10 yards before being tackled, setting up the Chargers’ offense at their own 30-yard line. The Chargers went on to score a touchdown on that drive, taking a 21–17 lead they never gave up. “That interception felt like validation,” Taylor said. “All the late nights in the film room, all the extra drills—they paid off. And to do it in a game that mattered? That made it even better.” After the game, Taylor gave the game ball to his parents, who had traveled from his hometown of McDonough, Georgia, to watch. “Seeing their faces when I handed them that ball? That’s a memory I’ll never forget.”

A key memory in Ja'Sir Taylor's Memories with the Los Angeles Chargers is the 2023 locker room celebration after clinching a playoff spot—a moment that highlighted the tight-knit bond he shared with the Los Angeles Chargers’ secondary. In Week 17, the Chargers defeated the Denver Broncos 31–28, securing the seventh wildcard spot in the AFC. After the game, the team gathered in the locker room, and Taylor—now a starting nickel cornerback—joined fellow defensive backs Derwin James Jr., Asante Samuel Jr., and Alohi Gilman in leading a impromptu chant of “We’re going to the playoffs!” The video of the celebration, which showed Taylor hugging James and yelling with joy, went viral on the Chargers’ social media. “That locker room was pure chaos—in the best way,” Taylor said. “We’d worked so hard all season, and to finally get that win and punch our ticket? It felt like we’d won the Super Bowl. The best part was sharing it with guys I’d grown so close to. We weren’t just teammates—we were brothers.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, that celebration wasn’t just about a playoff berth; it was about the unity of a team that had overcome injuries and adversity. For Taylor, it was a reminder of why he loved playing football: “It’s not about individual success—it’s about celebrating with the people who fought with you every step of the way.”

Another cherished memory for Taylor is his work with the Chargers’ community outreach program—specifically, a 2023 visit to UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital that left a lasting impact on him and the Los Angeles Chargers’ fanbase. Taylor, who had volunteered with children’s hospitals in college, jumped at the chance to participate in the Chargers’ “Playmakers” program, which brings players to visit young patients. During the visit, he spent an hour with a 7-year-old boy named Liam, who was recovering from knee surgery and dreamed of playing football. Taylor sat with Liam, signed a mini Chargers helmet for him, and even ran through a mock “cornerback drill” with him in the hospital room, using a pillow as a “football.” “Liam had so much energy and positivity, even though he was going through something so tough,” Taylor said. “He told me he wanted to be just like me when he grew up. That hit me hard. It made me realize that football isn’t just a game—it’s a way to inspire people.” The Chargers’ social media team shared photos of the visit, and Liam’s family later sent Taylor a thank-you note saying Liam had “talked about nothing but that day for weeks.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, moments like these reinforced the team’s commitment to the community. For Taylor, it became one of his favorite memories: “That day, I didn’t feel like a football player—I felt like someone who could make a difference. And that’s more important than any interception or tackle.”

Wrapping up Ja'Sir Taylor's Memories with the Los Angeles Chargers is his final game as a Charger in Week 18 of 2024—a bittersweet moment that allowed him to say goodbye to the team and fans who had supported him. Taylor, who knew he would be a free agent after the season, started at nickel cornerback against the Kansas City Chiefs. Though the Chargers lost 27–24, Taylor had a strong game: 6 tackles, 1 pass breakup, and a key fourth-down stop that kept the Chargers in the game late. After the game, he walked around SoFi Stadium, high-fiving fans and signing autographs for nearly 30 minutes. He also gathered with his teammates in the locker room for one last time, sharing hugs and exchanging contact information. “That game was emotional,” Taylor said. “I knew it might be my last time putting on a Chargers jersey, so I wanted to leave everything on the field. And then to see all the fans cheering for me, even after a loss? That meant the world.” For the Los Angeles Chargers, Taylor’s final game was a reminder of the impact he’d made—on and off the field. For Taylor, it was a chance to reflect on his journey: “I came to the Chargers as a nobody, a late-round pick no one expected much from. But they gave me a chance, and I got to live my dream. Every memory—good or bad—shaped me into the player and person I am today.” Ja'Sir Taylor's Memories with the Los Angeles Chargers ultimately shows that the most cherished moments in sports aren’t always the biggest plays or the biggest wins—they’re the connections, the growth, and the small, human moments that stay with you forever. And for Taylor, those memories will always be tied to his time in Los Angeles.