There's no denying this has been the toughest year of James Ebo's life.
The longtime Chargers fan has dealt with serious health issues since January and underwent a successful heart transplant in June.
"It's been trying. It's been difficult … but each day gets a little bit better," Ebo said.
"I keep my spirits up watching Chargers games and talking to a lot of the Bolt Fam … they have been behind me since Day 1," Ebo added.
Ebo received a major boost on Monday night when he learned that he was selected as the Chargers 2024 Fan of the Year.
The 56-year-old thought he was going to a friend's house to hang out but figured something was up when he saw Chargers decorations and boxes in the living room.
One of the boxes contained a customized No. 24 jersey that said "FAN OF THE YEAR" on the back.
"I'm excited but also still a little stunned over the whole thing right now," Ebo said. "I got a little emotional last night."
Ebo, a Philadelphia native, got hooked on the Bolts in the early 1970s when a quarterback named Dan Fouts was drafted in the third round.
Ebo has followed the Bolts ever since and has been one of the team's most loyal and passionate fans … as evident by his love for the NFL Draft.
Before his health issues forced him to miss the 2024 NFL Draft, Ebo had attended 26 consecutive drafts to cheer on the Bolts.
"The draft is my thing," Ebo said. "I love going to Chargers games but going to the draft is a big thing.
"I've been doing it since the draft was in New York City and before there was 100,00 people there," Ebo added. "It was just me and 3,000 other fans and just five or six Chargers fans. But it was always me. To not be able to be there, it hurt."
Ebo was unable to make the draft as his health situation took a serious turn this spring.
Ebo said he originally started feeling sick on January 1 and landed in the hospital the next day.
By mid-January, doctors told him he was in need of a heart transplant. Ebo then got really sick in mid-April.
"I didn't know how sick my heart really was," Ebo said. "I got to April and they basically said my heart was done."
The Chargers sent Ebo a care package when he was hospitalized in April. Ebo gave a specific shout out to Rachel Books, the Chargers Director of Merchandise and Brand Oversight for her continued support.
Ebo hung tough and managed to pull through while playing the waiting game. He received a new heart in June and has been on the mend as he is now five months post-surgery.
He's kept up with the Bolts the entire time and is thrilled with the direction Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh has the team headed with a 5-3 record.
"They've taken on that tough Harbaugh mentality," said Ebo, who has a Chargers tattoo on his arm. "To me, they're starting to look like the University of Michigan.
"You can tell players have bought into the mentality and his system," Ebo continued. "The defense is amazing and that was something I was hoping for when Harbaugh came to town.
"If you give [Justin] Herbert a good defense, they have a shot to win," Ebo added. "We're two games over .500 and we look good right now."
As the Bolts look to march toward a potential playoff spot, you can bet the Chargers 2024 Fan of the Year will be behind the Bolts every step of the way.
"I'm ride or die with the team," Ebo said. "I'm just so excited about the team right now."
