By Bruce BourquinStaff Writer
If only the current Chargers had a quarterback they could rely onat all times.
Someone who can perform at one of the highest levels of efficiencyin NFL history. A certain right-armed gunslinger who could fling thefootball across the field, on any down or in any situation. Imagineif this Oregon alumni could step behind center in his prime, throwingbombs to current receivers Curtis Conway, Jeff Graham and FreddieJones.
That someone is now a color analyst working for Monday NightFootball. He used to pilot an offensive machine in the early 1980snicknamed “Air Coryell.”
Dan Fouts is the name, and today he’s working his magic in thebroadcast booth. Before joining MNF, Fouts spent five years workingfor ABC’s college football sportscasts. He’s also worked in SanFrancisco, chalking up two local Emmys for sports broadcasts on KPIXin the Bay Area.
The former signal-caller recently appeared at the Hyatt Regency indowntown San Diego for the Chargers’ 40th Anniversary all-time team.He was honored as the teams’ best quarterback, but it also gave him achance to see his old buddies from his playing days.
“It feels great being here,” Fouts said. “I haven’t seen some ofthese guys for ages, it brings back so many memories.”
Fouts also talked about why the team was so efficient on offense.Despite never winning the Super Bowl, Fouts’ offense kept the team inalmost every game.
“We were ahead of our opponents, we gathered our strengthstogether and used them to our advantage,” Fouts said. “As far as notearning that (Super Bowl) ring, there’s no such thing as whatcould’ve been … just what already is.”
The figures from Fouts’ playing days are astounding. He threw formore than 43,000 yards, 254 touchdowns, and led one of the mostthrilling comebacks in NFL history.
It was the year 1981 and the canvas for the masterpiece was JoeRobbie Stadium (currently Pro Player Stadium). Fouts put up 433 yardswith three touchdowns. After the Chargers blew a 24-point firstquarter lead, Fouts kept the team’s playoff chances alive byengineering a last-minute, 82-yard drive. The series culminated as hefound rookie running back James Brooks in the back of the end zonefor the tying score. The Chargers eventually won in overtime, in oneof the most memorable games in pro football history.
The Hall of Famer also has more than 50 300-yard passing games inhis career, and was one of the most statistically productivequarterbacks in NFL history. Players like Joe Montana, John Elway andDan Marino overshadow Fouts in the lore of great NFL quarterbacks.Perhaps the main reason is because Montana and Elway won Super Bowls,while Marino shattered several of the records Fouts originally set.
Going from all-time quarterback to nationally-acclaimedsportscaster has been as seamless a transition for Fouts as his tightspirals. He’s had great memories over the years, and still misses histeammates.
But, if there’s anything Fouts misses the most, it’s thecamaraderie of his former teammates.
“I really miss the great effort our guys gave us on the field,”Fouts said. “Guys you could really rely on. Whether it was card gameson the bus, or overall team spirit, we had a perfect chemistry bothon and off the field.”
That chemistry worked with great former Charger receivers likeCharlie Joiner, Lance Alworth, Kellen Winslow and Wes Chandler.
“We all have a lot of memories on the road,” Fouts said. “We had alot of fun traveling to games.”
As for being in the MNF booth with Al Michaels and Dennis Miller,Fouts said the experience has been top-notch in his first season.
“It’s going great,” Fouts said. “I’ve had a great opportunity towork with Dennis and Al. It’s been a lot of fun working with them,and I’m looking forward to staying on as long I can.”
Talking about the current 2000 version of the Chargers’ sputteringoffense, Fouts said he’s sure head coach Mike Riley can turn thingsaround next season.
“I’m sure he’ll find a way to get it done,” Fouts said. “I stillbelieve coach Riley’s one of the best coaches in the NFL. They justhave to keep playing hard and find more ways to score points andwin.”
