[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 7 (Tuesday, January 13, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S334]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CONGRATULATING THE SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, today I wish to send my congratulations to 
the San Diego Chargers for the remarkable way that they turned around 
their 2008 season in the National Football League.
  During difficult economic times, as they face hardships and 
uncertainty, millions of sports fans across America turn to their 
hometown teams for solace and inspiration.
  Few teams this year faced as many hardships as the Chargers, and few 
teams in any year have overcome adversity with such inspiring tenacity.
  Hampered by injuries to star running back LaDainian Tomlinson and 
other key players and suffering through a series of heartbreaking 
losses, the Chargers began the 2008 season with just four wins in their 
first 12 games. With 3 weeks to go in the regular season, they trailed 
the division-leading Denver Broncos by three games. Though their fans 
remained loyal and the team remained confident, few outside observers 
gave them any chance reaching the NFL playoffs.
  Over the next 5 weeks, though, the Chargers made an amazing run. 
Beginning on December 4th, three consecutive San Diego victories and 
two Denver losses left the Chargers just one game back entering a 
December 28 showdown with the Broncos.
  In the decisive game, the Chargers staged an awe-inspiring offensive 
display to crush the Broncos 52-21 and win the AFC Western Division 
championship. They became the first team in NFL history to have been 4-
8 and make the playoffs and the first team ever to win their division 
after being three games behind the leaders with three games to play.
  Six days later, on January 3, the Chargers faced a terrific 
Indianapolis Colts team in the playoffs. In perhaps the greatest NFL 
game ever played in San Diego, the Chargers beat the Colts in overtime, 
23-17.
  Every playoff tournament ends sadly for every team but one. Last 
Sunday, on a snowy day in Pittsburgh, the mighty Steelers ended the 
Chargers season.
  But nothing can dim the luster of the Chargers' late-season run. 
Their dramatic turnaround is an inspiration to sports fans everywhere.
  Mr. President, I grew up in Brooklyn, in the shadow of Ebbets Field, 
where baseball fans endured years of frustration with the annual cry of 
``Wait Till Next Year.'' When I was in high school, our dream finally 
came true, and ``next year'' became this year.
  With a talented young team that has triumphed over adversity, the San 
Diego Chargers can look forward to next year with pride and confidence. 
I salute the Charger players, coaches, staff, and ownership along with 
their loyal fans--for a great 2008 season.

                          ____________________