“It’s been great just getting to know him and everything. We know he’s going to run the ball, he’s decided to run the ball, and it’s something he wants to do. He did it all his career, so I’m just excited to get started. With him being my head coach, I couldn’t be more happy.” Omarion Hampton didn’t hold back from expressing his love for his new team, the Los Angeles Chargers, and head coach, Jim Harbaugh. Drafted at pick No. 22 overall, Hampton’s NFL dream came true in the first round of the draft itself. But perhaps, he wasn’t the only one dreaming of entering the Chargers. The HC also had the same hopes!
During a new episode of The Rich Eisen Show, Jim Harbaugh joined the podcast to talk about his approach towards the upcoming season, as well as drafted players. Talking about Hampton, the HC said, “We were pretty darn shocked that he [Omarion Hampton] was there at 22. And yeah, we made decisions.” So, from the jump, Harbaugh had his eye on the kid, as he watched him all season, but once the combine hit, he dug deep. And the more he saw, the more fired up he got. Because Hampton checked every box.
Explaining why he was his and the team’s top choice, Harbaugh said, “The ability to be a four-down back. Yeah, the way he can catch the ball out of the backfield, the way he pass protects, the way he really kind of puts the team on his shoulders. And then meeting him in person at the combine, he was an NFL-ready running back. All boxes checked, and everybody you talk to, throughout this young man’s entire life, had nothing but glowing things to say. I mean, they’ll roll up in their chair. ‘Let me tell you about Omarion Hampton. He’s the best player I’ve ever coached. He’s the kind of young man that I would want my daughter to marry. And that’s it, it was just that throughout.” Such high praises definitely raised bars of expectations for Hampton.
So yeah, it surprised Harbaugh to see Hampton still there at 22. Although teams were calling in, and clock was ticking. But for the Chargers, the decision was made: he was their guy. No trade could top it. And then there was that viral photo, which Eisen showed him. That picture showed Jim Harbaugh shaking the player’s hand while the player’s parents stood beside him. Talking about it, Harbaugh even joked they weigh about the same – maybe 224lbs – but Hampton’s build? According to the HC, it was a “pure granite” and “chiseled.” Now, you can tell Harbaugh’s not just excited – he’s all in for this young man.
And why shouldn’t he or the Chargers be? After all, Jim Harbaugh isn’t playing around when it comes to giving Justin Herbert what he needs. We’ve seen what he did with J.K. Dobbins – turned an injury-prone back into a force with 905 yards and nine touchdowns. But Omarion Hampton? He’s a whole different kind of weapon. The Chargers saw it too. That’s why they didn’t wait around – they grabbed him in the first round for a reason. Even though he’ll likely share snaps with Najee Harris, Hampton’s firepower is undeniable. And when you throw in wideout Tre Harris from round two, it all starts to make sense.
No doubt, Harbaugh’s not just building a team – he’s building a support system around quarterback Justin Herbert to help him finally explode into the star he’s meant to be.
Jim Harbaugh is working tirelessly for Justin Herbert!
Jim Harbaugh isn’t just trying to win games – he’s chasing something bigger. When he sat down with Rich Eisen this Friday, he didn’t sugarcoat it. He said he literally woke up one morning and thought, “I got to get Justin Herbert to the Hall of Fame. Must get Justin Herbert to the Hall of Fame.” That’s the mission now. Not just for Herbert, but for the entire team.
Because he straightaway explained how he will be trying to do that – “That would mean winning a couple of Super Bowls. A lot of people would benefit. So that’s a worthy goal.” And to do that, Jim Harbaugh knows he’s gotta surround him with talent that’s just as elite.
So, the thing is, Herbert’s not the type to care about personal glory. He’s all about the team. Doesn’t want the spotlight. Harbaugh even joked that if he said all this to Herbert’s face, he’d probably get kicked in the shins. But that’s what makes this so real. Hence, Jim Harbaugh wakes up every single day trying to prove he’s worthy of coaching a guy like that. And if that doesn’t fire you up, nothing will!
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