The Chargers have announced six players will be season-long captains in 2024.
The group is split up with three offensive players and three from the defense. There will also be a rotating special teams captain each week.
"I love that group," Chargers Head Coach Him Harbaugh said Thursday. "So many good ones to choose from, there's a lot of leadership on this team.
"Every position group, every side of the ball, special teams, offense, defense," Harbaugh added. "Very ecstatic about the group."
Harbaugh noted that the defensive alternate is Alohi Gilman while the offensive alternate came down to a tie between Trey Pipkins III and J.K. Dobbins.
Here is who will be donning the "C" for the Bolts this season (players listed alphabetically):
Bradley Bozeman
Bozeman made a quick impression on his new teammates since arriving as a free agent in March. Bozeman brings plenty of experience to the Bolts as he has appeared in 100 career games (80 starts), including the postseason. The veteran center will be a key piece to the offense in 2024 as the Chargers shift toward having a punishing ground game while keeping Justin Herbert upright in the pocket.
Justin Herbert
Herbert is the face of the franchise and the Chargers best and most important player on the roster. We don't need to list all the reasons why he is a captain yet again, but it's clear how his teammates and the new coaching staff feel about him. If the Bolts offense can gel early in the 2014 season, Herbert could be in for his best season yet.
Derwin James, Jr.
The heart and soul of the Chargers defense, James is both a vocal and emotional leader who also leads with his play on the field. After an up-and-down few seasons, James seems revitalized and could in line for a monster season under first-year Chargers Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter.
Khalil Mack
Mack is never going to be the most vocal leader on the field. Instead, the future Hall of Famer lets his play do the talking for him ... and Mack put on quite the show in 2023. He racked up 17.0 sacks, which set a personal best and tied a Bolts single-season record, while also surpassing the 100.0-sack mark for his career. The Bolts will rely heavily on Mack's leadership again in 2024.
Denzel Perryman
Perryman returns to the Bolts after spending 2015 to 2020 with the team. He was a free-agent addition this offseason and will be tasked with leading the middle of the Chargers defense. Keep an eye on Perryman to be anywhere and everywhere this season. And keep an eye on the Bolts linebacker group to surprise people this season as Perryman mentors recent third-round picks in Daiyan Henley and Junior Colson.
Rashawn Slater
Slater remains one of the game's best left tackles, but he has also come into his own as a leader in recent years. Slater is still only 25 years old but is respected in the locker room for both his play on the field and how he carries himself in the building, too. Look for Slater to keep staking his claim as one of the elite players among his position in 2024.
