Philip Rivers 'fired up' that Chargers will stay in San Diego for 2016 season
The Chargers are staying in San Diego for the 2016 season and it appears that no one is more excited about it than quarterback Philip Rivers, who has long been vocal about his love of the city and its fans.
Rivers said he was thrilled upon hearing the news that he'll have at least one more season playing in the only place he's known during his 12-year NFL career.
"Obviously I’m fired up, as I know the guys will be in that building," Rivers said, according to Ricky Henne of the Chargers' official site. "Hopefully the fans are as fired up as we are. We get at least one more go out at Qualcomm and in San Diego. It is exciting news, so I am fired up."
Rivers called for all the fans in San Diego to rally around the team next season in a bid to help secure the Chargers' long-term future in the city.
"We still have a ways to go before the season starts, and a lot can happen as far as progress toward something more concrete here," Rivers said. "But I think it will be more of an embracing atmosphere this year among everyone. I thought it was last year, but even more so now because like with anything, when you think it is over and you have another shot, you appreciate it that much more. I hope it is a two-way deal with our fans and community. I hope we can all rally behind the chance to be here forever."
In the final home game of the 2015 season, with the future of the team uncertain, Chargers fans bid an emotional farewell to their team, and Rivers hopes they can recreate that atmosphere throughout next season.
"I know it is probably impossible to recreate the exact emotion and atmosphere that was there against Miami at home in that last game, especially because that was a farewell type of emotion. But hopefully what the stadium and energy was like that day, it can be like that for 10 home games. Obviously eight regular season and two preseason games for sure, and hopefully a playoff game or two. Hopefully our fans are reengaged, and our community is reengaged, and we can have a bounce back season."
The Chargers' future is still uncertain. The team will attempt to negotiate a deal for a new stadium in their current home - which the NFL has pledged $300 million to - but could still move to Los Angeles after next season, with an agreement in place with the Rams to do so if they can't agree on a deal with San Diego.