Chargers News: Austin Ekeler Details Justin Herbert’s Leadership as a Young QB

He already understands the pressure that comes with being at the helm of a franchise.

Justin Herbert is only 25-years-old and has only logged three seasons in the NFL but it's been made clear that he is the leader of the Los Angeles Chargers. Don't believe that? Well, you certainly will when he signs his brand-new extension in the near future.

His teammates are well-aware of it and even Austin Ekeler, who has been in the media recently for all of the wrong reasons and has been made out to be public enemy no.1, has witnessed his growth firsthand. Ekeler led the league in receptions at his position in 2022 and he became one of Herbert's favorite targets outside of the normal WR's.

Ekeler joined Jaxxon Jewelry for an exclusive, offseason interview where he detailed a number of aspects about the Bolts but specifically described what it's like sharing the field with such a talent like Herbert. He pointed him as someone that looks out for him when times get tough.

Coming off his best season yet, @AustinEkeler sits down on the @Jaxxonjewelry Podcast to discuss his @NFL career, locker room secrets, and much more. #Jaxxon #jaxxonpodcast #nfl #nflfootball #chargers #podcast #fantasyfootball #football pic.twitter.com/CvYltmj9jA

— JAXXON (@Jaxxonjewelry) April 10, 2023

"And then, J. Herbo always comes up," said Ekeler. "He always is stepping up as well if he sees me a little more emotional than I should be and we got a good communication on the sideline but you got to. He's a guy that takes accountability... If he messes up, he'll come to you like, 'Hey bro, I got you next time. I don't want it to happen again.' Things like that."

(Via Jaxxon)

Since LA drafted Herbert out of Oregon in 2020, they have compiled a 26-24 record in that time period. They also made the playoffs for the first time in years last season and despite a heartbreaking loss to the Jaguars, things seem to be heading in the right direction.

Ekeler has become an important piece of the franchise so most fans likely hope he and the front office can come to an agreement and this duo remains in place.