The San Diego Chargers finished preparations for Saturday’s preseason game against the Cowboys with a walkthrough on Marine Corps base MCCS Miramar on Friday. Members of the military and their families’ were invited to attend the special practice.
“I always look forward to going to Miramar,” coach Norv Turner said. “Everyone thinks we are doing it for them, but I think it’s a very positive experience for our players. There is a lot of give and take and it is one of my favorite days of training camp.”
Members of the Miramar Falcons, a Marine Corps football team, joined the Chargers on the field.
“It’s just a gift,” Falcons WR Terrence Smith said of the opportunity. “Honestly, it’s good to get advice from people who have been doing this all of their life. We are real appreciative.”
Chargers' players welcomed the opportunity to interact with the troops.
“The hard work and dedication that they are putting in daily at their jobs [allows us to] appreciate this life of football,” FB Le’Ron McClain said. “They just don’t understand how much we appreciate them.”
This was the first time McClain (free agent, Chiefs) experienced the annual event, but he also was with the team for a visit with Navy SEALS earlier in the year. “I love this. It is good that they are so close to us. Anytime we can make a visit I am just thankful.”
A few of the troops wore prosthetic limbs.
“We try to be the toughest guys,” WR Vincent Brown reflected on the sacrifices made by members of the military. “Those guys do so much for our country and a lot of people don’t even see it. Knowing what those guys go through gives us a lot of perspective.”
That was the message hoped his players would take away from the event.
“I think it is great for our guys,” Turner said. “It starts with the Spanos family. The military is important to them and then there is an opportunity to help our players. Whether it is interacting with Navy Seals or coming out here it makes them appreciate the things that they have.”
Players likely out against Dallas: DE-DT Garrett Brown (left foot in boot), DT Antonio Garay (left foot), CB Marcus Gilchrist (hamstring), WR Richard Goodman (unknown), TE Dante Rosario (unknown) and WR Eddie Royal (leg) missed practices this week and are unlikely to play on Saturday. Definitely out: G-T Brandyn Dombrowski (foot, cyst), LT Jared Gaither (back spasms), RB Ryan Mathews, (broken clavicle) and G Johnnie Troutman (pectoral).
What’s next? The Chargers will host the Cowboys for their second preseason game at Qualcomm Stadium on Saturday night. Kickoff is at 6:00 pm. PT. Per NFL policy, the game will not be shown live in Southern California because not enough tickets have been sold.
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