Holiday Bowl Homecoming
The son of a former San Diego Charger is anxious to play at Qualcomm Stadium.
By JIM STONE
Updated 8:30 AM PST, Sun, Dec 28, 2008
The son of a former San Diego Charger is anxious to play at Qualcomm Stadium.
It has been a while since Jairus Byrd used to hang out as a kid in the Chargers locker room.
"I have a lot of memories from this area," Byrd said, "so it's good to come back."
Byrd is an all Pac Ten defensive back for the Oregon Ducks and is getting ready to play in the Holiday Bowl against Oklahoma State on Tuesday night. He's really a chip off the old block. His father, Gill, is a Chargers Hall of Famer and gave fans here a lot of thrills over the years. Jairus has the same goal.
"It's exciting -- something I always dreamed about and wanted to do," Jairus said. "My dad is my hero; just to follow after him= and go in that direction is an honor."
Jairus has already caught the attention of NFL scouts. He thinks he can play at the next level.
"I think sky is the limit," Jairus said. "I just have to work hard and stay grounded."
Jairus wears No. 32. Gill wore No. 22. Getting a chance to play for the Chargers would be the ultimate.
"It would be great to come back and keep following in his footsteps," Jairus said.
For now, Jairus is anxious to play in a bowl game -- and in a stadium where his father's name hangs in the Chargers' Ring of Fame.
First Published: Dec 27, 2008 9:40 PM PST
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