In his fifth NFL season, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is no longer just letting his play do the talking. The 26-year-old’s leadership evolution, galvanized by the arrival of head coach Jim Harbaugh, has the Bolts charging out to a 7-3 start—their best since 2018.
For years, the soft-spoken Herbert faced scrutiny over whether he possessed the assertive personality to lead an NFL locker room. But in 2024, teammates are raving about a different quarterback—one who’s emerging from his shell to spearhead a rejuvenated Chargers culture.
From Timid to Tenacious
Despite on-field success, Herbert’s reserved demeanor remained a hot-button topic throughout his college career and early professional seasons. Prior to the 2020 NFL Draft, unnamed sources claimed that the Oregon product struggled to command a room.
Most of the league was aligned on his upside, [but] there was some concern about handling being the face of a franchise.
– Former Raiders GM Mike Mayock
Fast forward to 2024, and Herbert is emphatically dispelling those doubts. Defensive tackle Morgan Fox, a 2022 free agent acquisition, recounts a revealing practice anecdote:
After a play, I smacked a football out of Justin’s hands. I wanted to see how he’d react. He picked it up, launched it at me, and started railing me with expletives. That’s what I wanted to see.
– Morgan Fox, Chargers DT
Harbaugh’s Unique Motivation Tactics
That newfound vocal presence is no accident. Since taking over in 2023, the eccentric Harbaugh has gone to great lengths to draw out Herbert’s latent leadership qualities:
- Creating a “no-fly zone” of 2.5-3 yards around Herbert at practice
- Gifting Herbert a golden jersey to designate his status
- Imploring Herbert to address the team after victories
Though initially resistant, the Chargers’ franchise cornerstone has gradually warmed up to his coach’s unorthodox methods. Harbaugh’s incessant praise of Herbert—which borders on “obsession” according to some—appears to be paying dividends.
Newfound Swagger Under Center
Herbert’s metamorphosis isn’t confined to the locker room. On the gridiron, he’s displaying a brazen confidence that’s permeating throughout the roster. Emphatic first down signals and spirited celebrations have become the norm during the Bolts’ four-game winning streak.
All-Pro left tackle Rashawn Slater describes Herbert’s on-field mentality as a “lighthearted confidence.” The former Oregon standout’s ability to seamlessly oscillate between laid-back and laser-focused is striking a chord with teammates.
Whenever we see Justin have that energy, it’s very infectious. He’ll joke around on the sideline, then flip a switch and do crazy things. I love that he’s been more animated.
– Rashawn Slater, Chargers LT
Elevating His Game and the Offense
Herbert’s leadership growth is translating to the stat sheet. After a slow start, the Chargers’ signal-caller has caught fire over the last six contests:
| Metric | First 4 Games | Last 6 Games |
| Pass Yards/Game | 144.5 | 268.0 |
| Play-Action % | 25% | 37% |
| Play-Action Yards | N/A | 703 (1st in NFL) |
Now fully recovered from an early-season ankle injury, Herbert is orchestrating an aerial assault predicated on vertical strikes and play-action passing. His 703 play-action yards since Week 6 lead the entire NFL.
Even more impressive is how the 6’6″ phenom is elevating a revamped supporting cast. After losing Pro Bowlers Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Austin Ekeler in the offseason, Herbert has deftly adapted to a new set of skill players.
The Future is Bright in Bolt-Land
With a budding superstar under center and a proven head coach pushing all the right buttons, the Chargers have the look of a bona fide contender. If Herbert sustains his torrid pace, an MVP season could be within reach.
The road ahead won’t be easy, with the gauntlet of the AFC West still to come. But armed with a lethal skill set and the leadership chops to match, Justin Herbert appears poised to not only handle the pressure—but to relish it.
