John Hadl, A Star For The San Diego Chargers And Los Angeles Rams, Passes Away At Age 82

Quarterback John Hadl, whose success with the San Diego Chargers was instrumental with the team gaining a foothold in its early years, died on Wednesday at the age of 82.

Hadl helped lead the Chargers to the AFL championship in 1963, which fueled San Diego’s popularity in a city that was minus a professional team in any sport.

That title came when the Chargers defeated the Boston Patriots, 51-10, at Balboa Stadium. That crown remains the only championship won by a San Diego team in a major sport.

Some would argue that the AFL was far from a marquee league when Hadl was sharing the quarterback duties with Tobin Rote. While that’s a fair argument, it’s hard to overstate how much that win meant as it helped push city leaders to build the then-San Diego Stadium which opened in 1967, the first multi-use stadium on the west coast.

Hadl, a former star and coach at the University of Kansas, played 16 seasons in the AFL and NFL, after being a drafted 10th overall by the Detroit Lions in 1962. But Hadl decided to play for the Chargers, who drafted him in the third round before their second year in San Diego.

It was quite a catch for the AFL to get a player of Hadl’s statue to go with it and not the NFL. But Hadl was drawn to the Chargers’ passing attack under the direction of legendary coach Sid Gillman,

Hadl quickly became a key member of the team, serving as its punter as well.

Hadl, a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, went on to play for the Los Angeles Rams, Green Bay Packers and the Houston Oilers. He was selected to two Pro Bowls and was named to four All-AFL squads.

After his retirement Hadl returned to Kansas where he served various roles, which included coaching and fundraising.

Hadl wore No. 21 for San Diego, a number which is no longer issued to a Charger. But it was retired not for Hadl’s exploits but for Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson’s accomplishments.

When Hadl was with the Rams in 1971 he completed the quarterback triple crown in leading the NFL in completions, passing yards and touchdowns.

Hadl’s death was announced by Kansas, on the direction of his family. There was no cause of death listed.