See how the Bolts made a special gesture to Malcom Floyd on his last full practice as a Charger.
Like he has for the last 12 years, Malcom Floyd walked out to the field in his white practice jersey.
This time it was different.
He was the only one in uniform.
To honor the final practice of M80's illustrious career, the entire team from the coaches to the players and front office staff adorned custom-made t-shirts paying tribute to their teammate.
The words "Thank You #80" were blazoned across the back while the front featured a photo of Floyd's pregame ritual of jumping in the air to touch a lightning bolt.
"It's a tribute to Malcom, and what he's done for the organization since day one here," said Head Coach Mike McCoy, who came up with the idea for the t-shirt. "He's a great example of what it is to be a pro, and what hard work and belief (can accomplish). He's the best. He's a special player."
Philip Rivers joined the Bolts the same season as Floyd, and the two have been separable over the years.
So what did he think of the tribute?
"It was great. And you think back to the Miami game. We've known this was coming the whole year, but I know he appreciates it. He certainly tried to say, 'you don't need to do this!' But we want him to know how much we appreciate and love him. I thought it was a nice gesture. Shoot, he's spent a lot of hours on this field. We have a walk through Saturday, but thinking how he won't put on a helmet out here again, it ended right."
It was a touching and fitting tribute to a man who will be universally missed as he announced before the season that he is retiring at year's end. Floyd had no idea the team would honor him in such a way until he walked into the locker room and saw the shirts hanging for each player.
"Right before practice I walked in I saw them, and it was a shocker," Floyd said. "I just appreciate my teammates. I can't say enough of what it means to me that they respect me that much. And I appreciate Coach McCoy for doing it. He believed in me when I came back from my injury. I couldn't believe it when I saw it. I was like, 'Coach, what are you trying to do to me!'"
