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Eric Kendricks Ready to Embrace Leadership Role with Bolts

Apr 18, 2023 at 12:57 PM

Eric Smith

Editorial Director

Eric Kendricks had plenty of butterflies Monday morning as he drove to Hoag Performance Center for the first day of the Chargers voluntary offseason program.

The Chargers new middle linebacker, who joined the Bolts last month after eight seasons in Minnesota, was the fresh face in a locker room full of players that knew each other.

"It was like I was the new kid in school," Kendricks said. "It was a little bit nerve-wracking for me.

"I've met people but didn't really know anybody on that level. Not yet. I'm looking forward to building those relationships and things like that," Kendricks later added. "I've obviously played against a lot of people. Familiarity-wise, that's why I'm here, so I can get to know all of the players and build that camaraderie."

At least Kendricks was in somewhat familiar colors (and his old college number) in a new environment. A former star at UCLA, he donned the powder blue and gold for an on-field workout where he began the acclimation process.

same city, same number if ya lookin' for him pic.twitter.com/XWSZL4avVK
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) April 6, 2023

The California native mingled with Khalil Mack and Morgan Fox among others, going through his workout with a smile on his face.

Kendricks said he's going to take a simple approach to getting to know his new teammates.

"Just lifting, running and shooting the [breeze] on the side," Kendricks said. "Do little things like that. Not do too much, just be myself and come in here and just learn."

Kendricks was welcomed with open arms Monday by teammates and coaches.

Fox said he knew of Kendricks from afar and was fired up to be on the same team with him.

"He's awesome. We actually have a lot of mutual friends," Fox said. "[Monday] was the first time that I've met him in person, but everyone that I know that knows him speaks very highly of him, nothing but great things about him.

"It was awesome to actually meet him today, get to work with him," Fox added. "I'm excited to see what the season is going to look like with him."

Kendricks was released by the Vikings earlier this offseason after making 113 starts and racking up 900-plus tackles, earning All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in 2019.

He said his initial conversation with Chargers Head Coach Brandon Staley lasted 90 minutes as the two talked ball and what Kendricks' role would be with the Bolts.

"It was 11 o'clock at night and I got to know his personality a lot," Kendricks said. "I'm glad that I can fit into this program, into this system, but also, I don't have to do too much as I come in.

"I can get to know the guys, get to know the leaders on the team, like Khalil, and things like that and just play my role," Kendricks added. "This is my ninth year in the league. I've seen a lot. I've done a lot. Hopefully, my experiences can help everybody else around me. Like I said, I'm not pushing for that. I'm just going to come in here, be myself and play the game that I love to play."

Staley said Monday that he jumped at the chance to add Kendricks' pedigree and leadership skills to the roster.

"A lot of experience, a lot of play-making ability. He's been at the heart of one of the top defenses in the NFL his entire career," Staley said. "He's a very complete player and he's also one of the best leaders that you're going to be around. I'm excited about joining up with him. We're going to have a lot of work ahead of us."