Once again, Head Coach Anthony Lynn opted not to name captains heading into Week 1 for good reason.
He wanted to see who would rise to the occasion after the first real game was played.
"I want everybody to get very comfortable with each other before we start voting on captains," Lynn said before the start of the season. "When we get the captains group together, that'll be our (set of) guys."
Thus, late last week, Lynn held a vote, and the following five players were named captains for the 2018 season by their teammates:
Philip Rivers – Number 17 has been the heart and soul of the Chargers ever since he took over as the starter in 2006. There's simply no one in the NFL who plays with more fire or passion than the future Hall of Famer.
Russell Okung – Being a leader is something that's always come natural to Okung. It took the left tackle no time at all to entrench himself as one of the team's most inspirational leaders after signing with the Chargers a year ago as he's helped change the culture up front.
Antonio Gates – While the legendary tight end returned to the Bolts mere days before the start of the regular season, his status with his teammates never changed. Simply put, Gates is one of the most revered figures not only in the Chargers' locker room, but in the NFL.
Melvin Ingram – Fresh off his first Pro Bowl appearance, Ingram has been named a captain for the second-straight season. Number 54 is not only a vocal leader, but also inspires through an intense work ethic.
Brandon Mebane – Mebane has been voted a captain all three years he's been a Charger. The 33-year-old is the only member of the defense over 30, and is a well-respected voice in the locker room.
In addition to those five, Lynn will name an honorary captain each week. Meanwhile, if the need arises for a replacement captain any given week, Mike Pouncey would be next in line to don the C. He served as the Bolts' honorary captain in Week 2's win against the Buffalo Bills as well.
