Fan Favorites on the Los Angeles Chargers' Current Squad

Every NFL team has players who transcend stats and highlights—athletes who capture the hearts of fans through their work ethic, resilience, and connection to the community. For the Los Angeles Chargers, the 2025 roster is filled with such figures, from veteran leaders who’ve spent years with the franchise to rising stars who’ve quickly become fan icons. These fan favorites aren’t just beloved for their on-field performances; they’re admired for how they represent the team off the field, whether through charity work, engaging with supporters, or embodying the grit and passion that define Chargers football. Fan Favorites on the Los Angeles Chargers' Current Squad explores the key players who’ve won over the Chargers faithful, the reasons behind their popularity, and how their presence strengthens the bond between the team and its fans. In a city with a rich sports history, these players have become more than athletes—they’re symbols of pride for Chargers supporters.

Fan Favorites on the Los Angeles Chargers' Current Squad starts with the player who’s arguably the face of the franchise: quarterback Justin Herbert. Since being drafted sixth overall in 2020, Herbert has captivated fans with his combination of elite talent and quiet humility. His ability to make jaw-dropping throws under pressure—like his game-winning touchdown pass to Mike Williams in Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs—has earned him a reputation as one of the NFL’s most exciting young quarterbacks. But it’s his off-field demeanor that truly resonates: Herbert regularly visits local children’s hospitals, hosts youth football camps in the Los Angeles area, and often stays after games to sign autographs for fans, even after tough losses. “Justin is everything you want in a franchise quarterback,” said Maria Gonzalez, a season-ticket holder since 2021. “He’s talented, he’s humble, and he actually cares about the fans. You can tell he loves playing for this city.” Herbert’s popularity is also reflected in merchandise sales—his jersey has been the top-selling Chargers jersey for four consecutive seasons—and in the chants of “JUST-IN! HER-BERT!” that echo through SoFi Stadium on game days.

Another player who’s quickly become a fan favorite, highlighted in Fan Favorites on the Los Angeles Chargers' Current Squad, is edge rusher Khalil Mack. While Mack joined the Chargers in 2023 (after stints with the Oakland Raiders and Chicago Bears), he’s wasted no time endearing himself to the fan base. His dominant on-field performances—including 12 sacks and 28 quarterback pressures through 14 games in 2025—have made him a defensive standout, but it’s his leadership and authenticity that have won fans over. Mack is known for his approachable nature: he often stops to take photos with fans outside SoFi Stadium, participates in Chargers community events (like food drives for local families), and speaks openly about his love for the Los Angeles community. Fans also admire his resilience—at 33, he’s still playing at an elite level, defying expectations of age-related decline. “Khalil brings so much energy to the team and to the stands,” said James Taylor, a Chargers fan since 2018. “Every time he sacks the quarterback, the stadium goes crazy. And off the field, he’s just a good guy—you can’t help but root for him.” Mack’s popularity has also grown among younger fans, who look up to him as a role model for hard work and perseverance.

Fan Favorites on the Los Angeles Chargers' Current Squad also shines a light on wide receiver Keenan Allen, a long-tenured Charger who’s been a fan favorite for over a decade. Drafted by the Chargers in 2013, Allen has spent his entire 13-year career with the team, becoming one of the most reliable pass-catchers in franchise history (ranking second all-time in receptions and third in receiving yards for the Chargers). His consistency on the field—he’s recorded at least 1,000 receiving yards in seven seasons—has made him a trusted target for quarterbacks from Philip Rivers to Justin Herbert. But it’s his loyalty to the franchise and his connection to long-time fans that make him a beloved figure. Allen often references the Chargers’ fan base in interviews, calling them “the best in the NFL,” and he’s known for remembering regular fans by name at events. For the Los Angeles Chargers, Allen represents continuity in a league where player movement is common—a link between the team’s past and present. “Keenan has been with us through the good times and the tough times,” said Lisa Martinez, a fan since 2010. “He could’ve left for a bigger contract elsewhere, but he stayed. That means a lot to fans who’ve stuck with this team for years.”

A rising star who’s quickly joining the ranks of fan favorites, explored in Fan Favorites on the Los Angeles Chargers' Current Squad, is rookie running back Isaiah Spiller. Selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Spiller has made an immediate impact, filling in for the injured Austin Ekeler and rushing for 620 yards and 5 touchdowns in his first 14 games. His hard-nosed running style—often breaking tackles and fighting for extra yards—has made him a fan favorite on game days, with fans cheering “SPILL-ER! SPILL-ER!” every time he touches the ball. But it’s his personality off the field that’s truly endeared him to supporters: Spiller is active on social media, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of Chargers practices and games, and he often interacts with fans online, answering questions and posting shoutouts. He’s also embraced the Los Angeles community, volunteering at local schools to talk to students about the importance of education and teamwork. For the Los Angeles Chargers, Spiller represents the future—a young player with talent and charisma who can help lead the team for years to come. “Isaiah is such an exciting player,” said 16-year-old fan Jake Wilson. “He plays with so much heart, and he’s always engaging with fans on TikTok. He’s the reason I started watching Chargers games regularly.”

Fan Favorites on the Los Angeles Chargers' Current Squad also includes a nod to the unsung hero of the defense: safety Derwin James Jr. James, a first-round pick in 2018, has long been respected for his versatility (he can play safety, linebacker, and even cornerback) and his hard-hitting style, but in recent seasons, he’s become a fan favorite for his passion and leadership. Whether he’s celebrating a big play with teammates or firing up the crowd with his pre-game speeches, James brings energy to every game. Off the field, he’s deeply involved in the Los Angeles community, founding the Derwin James Jr. Foundation, which provides scholarships to underprivileged youth and supports youth sports programs. For the Los Angeles Chargers, James is more than a defensive standout—he’s a leader who sets the tone for the team’s culture. “Derwin plays with so much heart,” said fan Mike Peterson. “You can see how much he cares about winning and about this team. And what he does for the community—providing scholarships, supporting kids—it shows he’s not just here to play football. He’s here to make a difference.” James’ popularity is also evident in the stands, where fans often wear custom “Derwin James Jr.” jerseys and hold up signs praising his play.

Fan Favorites on the Los Angeles Chargers' Current Squad concludes with a reflection on why these players matter beyond their on-field contributions. For Chargers fans, these athletes are more than just names on a roster—they’re part of the fabric of the Los Angeles sports community. Herbert’s humility, Mack’s resilience, Allen’s loyalty, Spiller’s energy, and James’ heart all reflect the values that fans hold dear, creating a deep and lasting connection between the team and its supporters. In a league where success is often measured by wins and losses, these fan favorites remind us that football is also about community, passion, and the relationships between players and the people who cheer them on. As the Chargers continue their push for a playoff spot in 2025, these players will undoubtedly be at the center of the fan base’s excitement and support. In the end, Fan Favorites on the Los Angeles Chargers' Current Squad isn’t just a list of popular players—it’s a celebration of the bond between a team and its fans, and the athletes who make that bond so special.