The Chargers' First Great QB, John Hadl, Dead At Age 82 - RIP Sir

[Velo]

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/j...6-year-career/

Hadl played in the league for 16 seasons, the majority of which was with the San Diego Chargers where he was a five-time Pro Bowler.

Hadl was selected with the No. 10 overall pick in the 1962 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, but chose to play with San Diego instead... At the time of his retirement, Hadl ranked third all time in passing yardswith 33,503.

Hadl was 21 before No. 21.

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[chargeroo]

Hadl was very good. When we discuss our best QB's we often leave him out but we shouldn't, he was just as successful as Dan, Stan, and Philip. He was a great all-around guy. He played Halfback as well as QB at Kansas. He hated the raiders and played fiercely against them. John was a favorite of mine. I hope he made it to heaven.

[Velo]

Hadl was very good. When we discuss our best QB's we often leave him out but we shouldn't, he was just as successful as Dan, Stan, and Philip. He was a great all-around guy. He played Halfback as well as QB at Kansas. He hated the raiders and played fiercely against them. John was a favorite of mine. I hope he made it to heaven.

Hadl's lifetime completion percentage with the Chargers was barely above 50%. He threw more INTs (211) than TD passes (201). But that was a different era. A QB who completed 50 percent of his passes and had 1-1 TD-INT ratio was considered pretty good. Hadl led the AFL twice in passing and the NFL once. Hadl was Bambi's main QB in his career.

[Air Coryell]

The original #21. Hadl to Allworth and Garrison. Saw him play many times. Those charger teams were entertaining, but a cut below the Raiders and Chiefs. RIP John.

[Bolt-O]

RIP John Hadl. I barely remember watching him play, a very good QB. #21 was retired because of LT, but is shared with Hadl.

[Topcat]

I was a Rams fan when Hadl became their QB. Loved watching him heave those long bombs to Harold Jackson...RIP...one of the true greats...

[charger1_sj]

RIP John Hadl. He eventually prevailed over Tobin Rote and Jack Kemp. Unfortunately Kemp with the Bills beat us twice in the AFL championship game. But Hadl to Alworth: A Chargers classic.

[jamrock]

Really the era of my original love for the chargers with John Hadl to Alworth and the Gary “the ghost” Garrison with Dickie Post and Keith Lincoln and Paul Lowe for good measure. Fun time to be a Charger fan. Unfortunately the Chiefs and Raiders weee very good at the same time

[jamrock]

The original #21. Hadl to Allworth and Garrison. Saw him play many times. Those charger teams were entertaining, but a cut below the Raiders and Chiefs. RIP John.

You beat me to it with the Len Dawson Chiefs and daryle lamonica the original mad bomber for the raiders.

[Craig440]

He had an indoor pool that you had to go thru his bedroom to get to. It was kind of weird. Good guy.

RIP ole friend.

[charger1_sj]

The original #21. Hadl to Allworth and Garrison. Saw him play many times. Those charger teams were entertaining, but a cut below the Raiders and Chiefs. RIP John.

We won the 1963 AFL championship with Hadl. At the time the Bills and Oilers were the teams to beat. KC and Oak caught up in 1965 and thereafter.









o

[MakoShark]

Hadl was very good. When we discuss our best QB's we often leave him out but we shouldn't, he was just as successful as Dan, Stan, and Philip. He was a great all-around guy. He played Halfback as well as QB at Kansas. He hated the raiders and played fiercely against them. John was a favorite of mine. I hope he made it to heaven.

If I recall correctly he was also a good punter and still holds a Kansas record. Great QB during a tough Era to put up big stats. Defenses used to mug receivers.

Great Charger and Jayhawk! RIP...