Mack back with Chargers to make playoff run: 'Can't give up on that dream'
Star pass-rusher Khalil Mack said his pursuit of postseason success was a key factor in his decision to re-sign with the Los Angeles Chargers this offseason.
"You're chasing that feeling, (playing) important games deep into the season," Mack said, according to the Orange County Register's Elliott Teaford. "I can't give up on that dream, on that goal."
Mack admitted the mental grind of playing and practicing caused him to briefly mull retirement before signing a one-year contract worth $18 million in March.
He also revealed he had interest playing elsewhere this season. "I would be lying if I said there wasn't," he said, though he didn't go into any further details.
However, the three-time first-team All-Pro says the familiarity with his teammates and the club's direction ultimately made it an easy decision to return to L.A for a fourth season.
"Why not here?" Mack said Wednesday. "You've got tremendous leadership here. ... Knowing what you're stepping into, being very familiar with the guys that we have already here and knowing what Coach (Jim) Harbaugh is building, what (GM Joe Hortiz) is building.
"Yeah, it was a no-brainer."
L.A. has made two playoff appearances in Mack's first three seasons with the franchise. The Chargers were bounced in the wild-card round by the Houston Texans last year in a lopsided 32-12 contest.
Despite being one of the league's most decorated active pass-rushers, the 34-year-old hasn't won any of his five postseason games over his 11 pro campaigns.
Mack has earned a Pro Bowl nod in each season with the Chargers. He has recorded 39 tackles for loss, 31 sacks, and 49 quarterback hits over that span.
He's getting used to life without running mate Joey Bosa, who signed with the Buffalo Bills in free agency. But Mack praised linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu, who led the Chargers with 8.5 sacks in 2024.
"He's been a star essentially for the past three years, so I don't think it's going to be any different," Mack said of Tuipulotu, per ESPN's Kris Rhim.
Mack has recorded 142 tackles for loss, 107.5 sacks, and 32 forced fumbles over his career, which also includes stints with the Oakland Raiders and Chicago Bears.