Meet the new Chargers captains, same as the old captains.
Coach Mike McCoy announced the five players who will lead the 2014, as chosen by the players. Four of them – quarterback Philip Rivers, center Nick Hardwick, safety Eric Weddle and special teams player Darrell Stuckey – are repeats from last year.
Only 12-year veteran Jarret Johnson is new.
Weddle, who will lead the defense for the fourth straight year, said it is always an honor to be selected.
“It’s awesome,” he said. “It’s one of the best feelings and things you can ever have happen to you in the sport, because of how much you put in and care for your teammates. They’re your extended family. … And for them to vote me is something I hold as a high regard. I don’t take it for granted."
It’s the ninth straight year as captain for Rivers. Hardwick will serve as captain for the fifth straight season. Stuckey also served as captain in 2012.
McCoy said responsibility for the team starts with the captains.
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“Players have to be held accountable to one another,” he said. “When you have good leaders, it makes it a lot easier.”
