Justin Herbert playing for the Chargers was written in the stars. However, it did not include him becoming the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL and the face of the franchise for the long run.
On Tuesday, Herbert signed a massive long-term extension for five years worth $262.5 million.
“Words aren’t enough to express how thankful and how glad I am to be a part of this organization,” Herbert said at his media availability Wednesday. “I’ve never wanted to be anywhere else. This is where I’ve wanted to be for, shoot, as long as I’ve been born and playing football. It’s a dream come true.”
After the Bolts got 16 good seasons out of former QB Philip Rivers, the torch was passed to Herbert, who has been one of the best things to enter through the doors of the organization.
In three seasons, Herbert has shattered multiple records, including the most passing yards in league history (14,089) and the second-most passing touchdowns (94).
“Words are hard to find for this process,” Herbert added. “I’m still trying to process the whole thing. I feel free and just excited to go play football.”
Free, Herbert will be as he is now playing under offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. Moore’s system will cater to Herbert’s strengths with his bazooka-like arm strength and talent, allowing him to push the ball down the field more often.
“One of the things is just to make sure that we’re throwing the ball down the field and taking those shots,” Herbert said. “We have those guys on the outside that are able to make those plays. My role as a quarterback is to get them the ball and put them in a position to win.”