Most Career Passing Yards by a Los Angeles Chargers Player
The Chargers have always been a quarterback-centric franchise — whether in San Diego or Los Angeles. With a legacy that includes Hall of Famers, Super Bowl quarterbacks, and modern-day gunslingers, this team knows how to air it out. From the wild days of the AFL to Justin Herbert’s rocket arm in SoFi Stadium, here are the Chargers’ all-time passing yard leaders.
TOP 10 LIST
10. Jim Harbaugh – 4,177 Yards
Before his coaching fame, Harbaugh wrapped up his playing career with a brief, productive run in San Diego.
9. John Friesz – 4,396 Yards
Friesz had a promising start as a Chargers QB in the early ‘90s before injuries took their toll.
8. Doug Flutie – 4,901 Yards
The ultimate underdog, Flutie brought heart, flair, and over 4,900 yards to the Bolts’ offense in the early 2000s.
7. Jack Kemp – 5,996 Yards
One of the AFL’s original stars, Kemp helped put the Chargers on the passing map in the 1960s.
6. Drew Brees – 12,348 Yards
Brees’ Chargers stint showed flashes of greatness before he went on to rewrite history with the Saints.
5. Stan Humphries – 16,085 Yards
Humphries brought stability and a Super Bowl appearance, leaving behind one of the most respected legacies in franchise history.
4. Justin Herbert – 21,093 Yards
Already 4th all-time, Herbert’s ridiculous arm strength and production have made him one of the league’s elite young stars.
3. John Hadl – 26,938 Yards
A true AFL bomber, Hadl threw deep and often in his prolific career with the Bolts.
2. Dan Fouts – 43,040 Yards
The face of “Air Coryell,” Fouts revolutionized the passing game with vertical fireworks and pinpoint accuracy.
1. Philip Rivers – 59,271 Yards
Mr. Ironman himself, Rivers started 240 straight games and defined an era for Chargers fans. One of the NFL’s all-time stat kings.
Ranking the 10 best career passing yard leaders in Chargers franchise history
Top 50 Career Passing Performances in Chargers History
This table ranks every quarterback to notch 125+ yards for the Bolts — including legends, journeymen, and a few surprising cameos.
| Rank | Player Name | Passing Yards |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Philip Rivers | 59271 |
| 2 | Dan Fouts | 43040 |
| 3 | John Hadl | 26938 |
| 4 | Justin Herbert | 21093 |
| 5 | Stan Humphries | 16085 |
| 6 | Drew Brees | 12348 |
| 7 | Jack Kemp | 5996 |
| 8 | Doug Flutie | 4901 |
| 9 | John Friesz | 4396 |
| 10 | Jim Harbaugh | 4177 |
| 11 | Billy Joe Tolliver | 3671 |
| 12 | Tobin Rote | 3666 |
| 13 | Ed Luther | 3187 |
| 14 | Ryan Leaf | 3172 |
| 15 | Craig Whelihan | 3160 |
| 16 | Mark Herrmann | 2569 |
| 17 | Jim McMahon | 2132 |
| 18 | James Harris | 1796 |
| 19 | Mark Malone | 1580 |
| 20 | Jesse Freitas | 1244 |
| 21 | Marty Domres | 1219 |
| 22 | Easton Stick | 1133 |
| 23 | Sean Salisbury | 984 |
| 24 | Erik Kramer | 788 |
| 25 | Babe Laufenberg | 778 |
| 26 | Gale Gilbert | 735 |
| 27 | Dick Wood | 655 |
| 28 | Wayne Clark | 647 |
| 29 | Johnny Unitas | 471 |
| 30 | Jim Everett | 457 |
| 31 | Mark Vlasic | 446 |
| 32 | Steve Tensi | 405 |
| 33 | Don Breaux | 404 |
| 34 | Rick Neuheisel | 367 |
| 35 | Hunter Enis | 365 |
| 36 | Tom Flick | 361 |
| 37 | Bob Gagliano | 334 |
| 38 | Paul Lowe | 326 |
| 39 | Moses Moreno | 319 |
| 40 | Mike Kelley | 305 |
| 41 | Billy Volek | 249 |
| 42 | Gene Foster | 248 |
| 43 | Tyrod Taylor | 241 |
| 44 | Keith Lincoln | 240 |
| 45 | Bill Munson | 225 |
| 46 | Todd Philcox | 173 |
| 47 | LaDainian Tomlinson | 143 |
| 48 | Clint Longley | 130 |
| 49 | Cliff Olander | 125 |
| 50 | Jon Brittenum | 125 |
Quarterback play has been the cornerstone of Chargers football for over six decades. From Fouts and Rivers to Herbert, the tradition continues with electrifying performances and eye-popping yardage. While Rivers’ spot at the top is secure for now, don’t blink — Herbert may be coming for the crown sooner than we think.
FAQ Section
Who is the Chargers’ all-time passing yards leader?
Philip Rivers leads the way with 59,271 career passing yards.
Where does Justin Herbert rank on the list?
Herbert is already 4th all-time and still climbing at a rapid pace.
Which Hall of Fame QBs played for the Chargers?
Dan Fouts is the most iconic Hall of Famer, known for the high-flying Air Coryell offense.
Did Drew Brees play most of his career in San Diego?
No — while he began his career with the Chargers, Brees became a legend with the New Orleans Saints.
Have the Chargers ever won a Super Bowl?
Not yet. They reached Super Bowl XXIX in the 1994 season but fell to the 49ers.
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