This is a great time of year to be thankful for what we have, where we have been, and what the future holds. Although the Chargers have lost their way a bit in recent years, the month of December still holds such incredible promise! This advent calendar is an attempt to hearken back to these days of December joy. Each day will bring a new advent from the Bolts’ history that makes it wonderful to be a Chargers fan.

Dec. 25: Philip Rivers is DEFINITELY Heading to Canton

It’s easy to look at near every quarterback in the NFL and find a flaw. Some are inaccurate passers, some struggle under pressure and some just shouldn’t be out on the field due to age or their athletic traits. Still, when we hear the talks of Eli Manning, Matt Ryan, and Cam Newton, all seem to be considered among the best of the last near-decade and soon to be heading to Canton, Ohio.

Here’s the kicker, once again Philip Rivers has been left out the conversation.

Since being drafted out of North Carolina State with the fourth overall selection, Rivers has always carried a persona around him. When the Chargers initially selected Manning with the first overall pick, Rivers was seemed to be considered the second option.

The real fact, however, is the 37-year-old quarterback has perhaps been the biggest blessing in disguise. Sure, while Manning took the New York Giants to a pair of Super Bowls against the New England Patriots, Rivers stats are bit more consistent.

Compared to Manning’s 55,480 passing yards, 358 touchdowns and a completion rating of 60.3%, Rivers has gone for 54,480 passing yards, 373 touchdowns, and completion rating of 64.6%. The biggest plus of all, Rivers is armed and ready to continue to add to his stellar resume while Manning is about to head out the door.

Compared to some of the other high profile quarterbacks of the last 15 seasons, Rivers has the same completion rating and more touchdowns than Pittsburgh Steelers’ Ben Roethlisberger, who was drafted just seven picks after the Alabama native. Drafted just one year later, Rivers also has more passing yards and touchdowns than Green Bay Packers’ quarterback Aaron Rodgers. While there’s plenty of people out there, who will say “Aaron Rodgers sat for three seasons,” Rivers sat for two full years before finally getting the starting gig.

While Tom Brady and Drew Brees are past the 400 touchdown club, Rivers could be joining that unit sometime next season. If so, Rivers would be just one of just six quarterbacks to meet that mark. Who are they you might ask? Good question.

What do Dan Marino, Brett Farve, Peyton Manning, Brady, and Brees have in common? All either current and future Hall of Fame players.

Rivers should easily be in that conversation if he passes the 400 mark. It shouldn’t be up for debate. If the likes of Big Ben and Eli are considered locks due to their Super Bowl appearances, the NFL is looking at the team rather than the player.

Rivers has been the golden boy of the Chargers organization since 2004 thanks to his loyalty and commitment to bringing the franchise a Lombardi Trophy. Even when the team moved to Los Angeles, Rivers elected to stay with the team and make the 120-mile drive daily so his family wouldn’t have to up-haul their entire life.

It’s like that old holiday song Chargers fans sing every year. Cmon, you know the words!

(To the tune of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer)

”You Big Ben and Peyton and Tommy and Eli, Russell, and A-Rod and Flacco and Matty Ice

But do you recall, the most undervalued quarterback of all?

Philip the Redneck Rivers joined the league in 2004

And if you watched his game film, all he ever does is score (both on and off the field!)

All of the NFL voters, seem to overlook his name.

All because that LA Cowboy has played in several playoff games

Then in 2018, Rivers came to say...

HEY YALL! We’re the gosh darn Chargers, and as you can see, I’m trying to win the MVP!

Now the Chargers are heading to the playoffs; Rivers has been one of the best in the game.

Philip the Redneck Rivers, He’ll be headed to the Hall of Fame.

Headed to the Hall of Fame!”

Merry Christmas Chargers fans and a happy playoff season!

And that concludes our holiday season of remembrance! Thank you, everyone, for joining!