The San Diego Chargers have announced a new three-year contract with center Nick Hardwick. The veteran anchor of the offensive line was set to become a free agent at 1 p.m. today.
Hardwick’s signing was key because the team lost veteran guard Kris Dielman earlier this month. Dielman suffered a head injury that forced him to retire to maintain his quality of life. Hardwick leads the offensive line and calls out changes when needed.
The 6 feet 4 inch, 305-pound Hardwick was drafted in the third round of the 2004 draft. That’s the same year quarterback Philip Rivers was drafted. The two have worked together since Rivers was named the starter in 2006 and they are also close friends off the field.
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