First there was Jim Griffin.  Then Bob Wells and Ron East gave valiant efforts that each lasted about 3 seasons.  After John Teelinck lasted a couple seasons, there was virtually no one until Sam Claphan made a pretty strong showing (actually lasting the longest of all), followed by the likes of Eric Moten and Damien McIntosh.  But none of them could topple the ultimate winner of the Golden Jersey for #77.

Winner

Ernie Ladd, DT

Ernie Ladd was the first Charger to wear #77, and he set the bar impossibly high.  At 6'9" and 315 pounds, Ladd was arguably the biggest and strongest man in professional football during his time.  In his 5 seasons with the Chargers, Ladd combined with Earl Faison, Ron Nery, and Bill Hudson to form the Chargers’ version of the Fearsome Foursome, and helped deliver an AFL Championship in 1963.  He went on to play on 2 more AFL Champions (in Houston and KC) before retiring to become a pro wrestler.  After all, what else are you gonna do if you’re 6’9”, 315 in the late 60s?

Jim Griffin, DE

Bob Wells, T

Ron East, DT

John Teelinck, DT

Sam Claphan, T

John Clay, T

Eric Ghiacuic, C

Milton Hardaway, T

Damion McIntosh, OT

Eric Moten, G-T