'Insert fortnite emote:' Justin Herbert mic'd up at practice

After five years in the NFL Justin Herbert looks so fluid and comfortable at Chargers practice that he's almost effortless, just noodling around making one-handed catches and dropping movie and video game references.

He has an easy rapport with teammates and evident respect in the huddles and on the sidelines. Guard Mekhi Becton, first-round pick of the Jets in the 2020, the same year Herbert was taken No. 6 overall by Los Angeles, pounds Herbert on the chest and says, "You're amazing bro. I don't give a (expletive) what you say. Keep telling me no all you want. I'm gonna keep calling you amazing. How about that? And make sure you tell yourself that every (expletive) morning when you look in the mirror: I'm (expletive) Justin Herbert and I'm amazing."

Well, (expletive). Miking up football players at practice, what did they expect? The video in its entirety can be found here.

Herbert has his critics. Like Dan Marino a generation ago he is supremely gifted, able to whistle a ball 70 yards in the air and settle it on the wings of a butterfly with a defensive tackle under his jaw but while he's thrown for 21,093 yards and 137 touchdowns, the Chargers are 0-2 in the playoffs.

Though that's at least partly the fault of coaching and management, the $262.5 million quarterback gets much of the blame on the radio shows and in the press. It's a big year for the team with Jim Harbaugh having crafted the league's No. 1 defense in 2024 though this season they have the league's 11th-hardest schedule, according to ESPN.

To help Herbert the Chargers brought back receiver Keenan Allen on a one-year deal Tuesday. Allen, 33, spent 11 years with the team before a trade sent him to Chicago in 2024. He's their all-time leader for receptions in a season with 108 for 1,243 yards two years ago.