The Los Angeles Chargers are entering year three of the Jim Harbaugh experience, and the franchise is hoping this is the year that the legendary head coach is able to help get star quarterback Justin Herbert over the hump. While the pair have yet to achieve the sort of playoff success they’ve hoped for, their bond remains as strong as ever, as evidenced by their pregame ritual.
In a recent interview with Sports Central LA, Harbaugh was asked by host Darren M. Haynes to do the aggressive ritual with him, shoulder pads and all. Harbaugh obliged, and Haynes noted that, “He hits them kind of hard. No wonder why Justin Herbert was thrown off the first time you did that.”
“No, Justin, it makes me feel weak when I do that to Justin. Because it’s just like, is that all you got? I mean, he’s a beast,” the coach responded.
Per ESPN, the first time the pair had the exchange, Herbert thought this coach was going in for a hug.
“I thought it was a moment to like, ‘Hey, let’s go get this. Dap up,’” Herbert said back in 2024, Harbaugh’s first season with the team. “But he hit me a couple times, and I thought that was it. And then he kept going back for more. I’ll be much better the next time.”
Left tackle Rashawn Slater said in 2024 that he believes routine has helped Herbert come out of his shell some and embrace the spotlight.
“Justin has always hated cameras and things where he’s the center of attention,” left tackle Rashawn Slater said in 2024. “But I see him smiling when [Harbaugh] does it, so I’m like, that must be a sign that he really respects Coach.”
Harbaugh and Herbert will open the season on September 13 against the Arizona Cardinals.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.