INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Five months ago, with his family by his side, quarterback Justin Herbert’s life changed forever when he was drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers.
There were no immediate expectations for him because he was supposed to learn behind veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor. But that all changed on Sunday.
What You Need To Know
- Justin Herbert made his first NFL start at quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday
- Herbert found out he was starting after the coin toss
- Chargers quarterback Tyrod Taylor left the stadium with chest pains during pregame warmups
- Chargers would ultimately lose Sunday to the Super Bowl champion Chiefs, 23-20, in overtime
Taylor had to leave because of chest pains, and it was Herbert who would then face the juggernaut Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs in the Chargers' first game ever at SoFi Stadium.
“That’s one of those moments I’ve waited for my entire life,” said Herbert. “To be out there, to be on the feel going against the Kansas City Chiefs, it was really special.”
Even head coach Anthony Lynn had no idea Herbert would have to start until just moments before the game started.
“I think he thought I was joking, and I had to tell him a couple of times, ‘No seriously, you’re the starting quarterback,'” Lynn said.
For the rookie, it started like a dream, scoring a touchdown on his first career drive.
The Chargers were beating the best team in the NFL for most of the game. Herbert then made a critical mistake with his first interception of his career, which helped Kansas City’s comeback effort.
The Chargers would lose the game, 23-20, in overtime, but Herbert stole the show. Many are now wondering if he is ready now to fill the shoes of the starting quarterback role.
“I know I belong out here, just being able to work hard and do things right,” said the rookie.
The script was almost too perfect to end with a win, but it’s clear this was just the start of Herbert’s Chargers story.