Always Everywhere: How Derwin James' Leadership Drives the Chargers

Oct 12, 2023 at 09:53 AM

Eric Smith

Editorial Director

If Derwin James, Jr., were to make a list of the things he despises, missing football games would be at the top of his list.

Actually, not being able to suit up could actually be its own list that drives the Chargers safety mad.

"One out of 10? It's like 100. I hate it so much," James said about watching from the sidelines. "It's part of the game but I hate not being out there for my team."

James has missed the past game-and-a-half with a hamstring injury. He said this week that the injury wasn't too serious and that it simply required a little bit of rest, something the Bolts Week 5 bye week certainly helped with.

Now, with the Chargers slated to open up the next stretch of their season on Monday Night Football against the Cowboys, James said he is planning on returning to the lineup in Week 6.

"I want to be out there with my teammates and help us win games," James said. "I'm happy to be back."

Back on the field, that is. Because even though James wasn't on the field for the past six or so quarters, he still made his presence felt in other ways.

"Energy. Bring the energy in different ways," James said. "There's energy in the locker room, on the sideline. Just making sure guys are ready to go that are in your position and make sure they see it how you see it."

On the field, James continues to be a do-it-all player. He can line up on every blade of grass and play multiple positions, something Chargers Head Coach Brandon Staley makes sure to take full advantage of.

"He is always going to be everywhere," Staley said in training camp. "He's going to be at a lot of different places because that's how you have to use him. You have to use him as a weapon.

"We've built around him since I first got here," Staley added. "I just think the pieces that we've added around him on all three levels have allowed him to just shine in those roles more."

Chargers safety Raheem Layne added: "I just watch what he does. If he's doing it, it's got to be something right. You have to follow the vets in this league and he's a great example of that. He takes care of the younger guys. Just a good dude."

Chargers safety Dean Marlowe helped fill James' void by starting in a Week 4 win against the Raiders. A veteran of 62 career games, including 19 starts, Marlowe said he always admired James' game from afar.

But seeing everything up close has been extra special.

"We all know who Derwin is. He's a freakin' playmaker, an impact player," Marlowe said. "He can do it all — play deep, at the line of scrimmage, great blitzer, great tackler.

"But most of all, I think he's a great leader. Just to see how he goes about his preparation every single day, it's pretty cool to see," Marlowe added. "This is Year 6 for him, he's made Pro Bowls, been an All-Pro. Now that I'm here actually working with him, it's fun to play with someone like that."

James was voted a captain again by his teammates this summer, continuing what has become an annual rite of passage for the 27-year-old.

"I don't like it. I love it," James said. "I feel like it's an honor and privilege for my teammates to see me in that way. I feel like that comes with a responsibility."

James later shared what it means to him to wear the "C" on his jersey.

"Just be Derwin James. I know who this organization sees me as and I know who my teammates see me as," James said. "Every day I step up in this building, I already know what's expected on my plate.

"When I come into the building, I know what time it is from the first meeting we have. It's time to clock in and go to work," James added.