Chargers Honor Rodney Harrison, “Hitman”, in Their Hall of Fame

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Rodney Harrison Will Enter the Chargers Hall of Fame

Former Los Angeles Chargers safety Rodney Harrison will be the 36th player to be inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame, the organization announced on Monday. The Chargers selected Harrison in the fifth round of the 1994 draft. In his first season, the Chargers reached the team’s only Super Bowl appearance, losing to the San Francisco 49ers 49-26. Harrison played nine of his 15 NFL seasons with the Chargers, going from a special teams contributor to one of the best safeties in the NFL, known for his strong hits, earning him the nickname “The Hitman”.
He accumulated 21.5 sacks during his time with the Chargers, the most in franchise history by a defensive back, and 26 interceptions, ranking third all-time among Chargers defenders and first among safeties. He was also selected for two Pro Bowls and was a first-team All-Pro in 1998.

Rodney personified an era of Chargers football defined by physicality, emotion, relentless effort, toughness, and determination. For nearly a decade, he gave his all for the Chargers, setting a standard of accountability and establishing the bar for competitive greatness.

John Spanos, president of football operations
The Chargers created their Hall of Fame in 1976, which includes coaches, a former general manager, and co-owners. Tight end Antonio Gates is the most recent player to be inducted, earning the honor in 2023. Former majority owners Alex & Faye Spanos were inducted in 2024.

What I remember most about Rodney is his incredible toughness. He was a relentless, hard-hitting safety, fearless in every sense of the word. He had all the tools: speed, instincts, and range, but what set him apart was that physical edge, that toughness that you don’t always see, even among the best. He stood out from day one.

Bobby Ross, former head coach
After the 2002 season, the Chargers released Harrison. He then signed a six-year contract with the New England Patriots in February 2003, where he played six more seasons, won two Super Bowls, and was twice All-Pro.
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