Chargers Lose Hardwick with Season Ending Neck Injury

Ricky Henne Managing Editor Chargers.com @ChargersRHenne Facebook

The San Diego Chargers lost one of their leaders for the season placing Nick Hardwick on Reserve-Injured with a neck injury. A stalwart in the middle, the veteran center has started all 136 NFL games he’s appeared in, including 67 in a row, so he’s still getting over the “shock” of being out for the year.
“It’s hard and it’s still setting in” he said.  “I have a touch of shock I guess and I don’t really know how I feel right now.  You’re programmed one way and through everything you’ve done you’ve always continued to push forward and push through to find ways to get on the field.  Unfortunately for this season it’s not going to happen anymore.”
One of the strongest forces in the locker room, Hardwick said having to deliver the news to his teammates was particularly difficult.
“That’s always the worst part, right?” he said.  “It’s certainly not fun.  They’re who you do it for.  You go through things with them, the ups and the downs, showing up early and leaving late, all the times you get to spend together; what you really do it for is each other.  That’s why you’re able to push through so much.  It’s for other guys that are also fighting through their own little deals, and they want to do it for you and you want to do it for them.  That’s what makes it a special game.”
A member of the Chargers 50^th Anniversary All-Time Team, Hardwick’s the reigning Lineman of the Year three years running.  A Pro Bowl selection in 2006, he was an alternate four times, including last season.  Voted the team’s co-Most Inspirational Player in 2013 as well, both General Manager Tom Telesco and Head Coach Mike McCoy offer nothing but the highest praise for the captain.
“Nick is a warrior; a true pro’s pro,” McCoy said.  “We’ve been spoiled by his excellence over the years. Players with his physical skills, leadership ability and intangibles don’t come around every year.  Nick is a special player to coach.”
“Nick is one of the best, if not the best, at his position to ever play for the Chargers,” Telesco said. “In my 20 years in the NFL, he’s one of the best teammates I’ve ever been around. We’ll miss him in the lineup, but we have complete confidence in Rich (Ohrnberger) and the other players to step up and do the job.”
There’s no way to sugarcoat how much it hurts to lose a player of Hardwick’s skill, integrity and leadership.  However, Hardwick repeatedly emphasized his full confidence in Ohrnberger moving forward.
“Rich is going to do a great job,” he said.  “He’s a good leader, he plays hard and he plays tough.  He fights out there and gives it everything he’s got.  He’s going to do a great job moving forward.”
While he won’t be able to suit up for the remainder of the season, Hardwick also emphasized his full faith in the Chargers as a whole.
“The team’s going to be fine,” he said.  “Everyone’s going to be fine.  They’re going to have a great season.  The guys in the offensive line group are tough, hardworking and they will find their new selves, continue to move forward and have a great year.”
As for himself, Hardwick will now focus on getting the proper treatment to return to full health.
“I’m going to let this soak in, take it one day at a time, find some help and take it from there,” he said.  “I’ll need a decent amount of rest and then I’ll find some people who can treat this properly and see where we can go.”