The electric Antonio Cromartie headlines a trio of cornerbacks up for the Chargers Quarter Century Team!
When you look back at the last 25 years, it seems like the Chargers have had some trouble finding, and keeping, their best cornerbacks around for more than a single contract. We’ve managed to come up with four cornerbacks who either were with the Chargers for a lengthy period of time, or had a strong impression carved out in the team’s history over the last quarter century.
We’re picking just two cornerbacks fro the Quarter Century Team so only half will make the cut. I have no idea where this one will go, but I’m excited to find out.
Let’s get to the poll!
Antonio Cromartie (2006-2009)
The Chargers drafted Cromartie in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Florida State University. Cromartie did not start a single game as a rookie, and he only started eight in his sophomore campaign, but that didn’t stop him from being name a First-Team All-Pro in 2007 after leading the NFL with 10 interceptions to go with one touchdown and 18 pass breakups. He also returned a missed field goal 109 yards which is tied for the longest play in NFL history and unsurprisingly made that year’s Pro Bowl, as well.
Cromartie only played four seasons with the Chargers before being traded to the New York Jets, but he left with one of the biggest impacts by a cornerback this century.
Casey Hayward (2017-2020)
Hayward joined the Chargers as a free agent following a four-year stint with the Green Bay Packers. In his first year with the Bolts, Hayward broke out to lead the NFL with seven interceptions and 20 pass breakups en route to earning the first of two Second-Team All-Pro honors while with the Chargers (2016-2017). He was also named to the Pro Bowl those two years, as well.
In all, Hayward averaged 13 pass breakups and just under three interceptions per season with the Chargers and he had his fingerprints all over the 2018 campaign that saw the Bolts record a 12-4 record, which is still one of the best years since 2000.
Quentin Jammer (2002-2012)
Jammer joined the Chargers as a first-round draft pick back in 2002 out of the University of Texas. After posting 67 tackles and 10 pass breakups in year one, Jammer was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
Jammer’s career with the Bolts spanned over decade as he totaled 721 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 21 interceptions (one returned for a score), seven forced fumbles, and nine fumble recoveries. In 2009, he was also named to the San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team.