A former QB questioned Justin Herbert’s leadership. But the Chargers are behind him
LA TimesPlaying in the opposing conference and then across the country, Poona Ford didn’t know much about Justin Herbert before the former Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills defensive lineman signed with the Chargers. “Everybody just sees Justin and his talent and everything,” defensive coordinator Jesse Minter said, “but what that guy does to prepare, what he does to make everybody around better, what he puts on the line physically, as a quarterback, and dealing with any type of thing that he might be dealing with … everybody just follows those type of guys.” Herbert was elected as one of the team’s six captains in the preseason, along with Bozeman, James, offensive tackle Rashawn Slater, and linebackers Khalil Mack and Denzel Perryman. Microphones often catch Herbert’s alter ego — whom he called “Football Justin” — dropping expletives that are censored in social-media videos. “He speaks his mind, but more than anything, that play is what makes us want to go.” Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert points toward Derius Davis after the receiver’s 19-yard touchdown catch against the Broncos.