New Chargers quarterback is getting to live his childhood dream

Travis Wakeman

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New Chargers quarterback is getting to live his childhood dream image

New Los Angeles Chargers backup quarterback Luis Perez has to be riding a major wave of emotion. He has taken the long road, but it's finally led him here. 

Signed only because of the plantar fascia injury suffered by Justin Herbert, Perez has a chance to prove he should stick around and if he does, he couldn't pick a better spot. 

Speaking to Omar Navarro of the team's official website, Perez collected his thoughts on recently joining the team. 

"It's awesome. I grew up a Charger fan my whole life so being able to be here and wear the Chargers uniform, it's a great feeling. Not only for myself, but for my family. I'm just happy to be here, grateful and ready to keep learning."

Perez was born in San Diego, home of the Chargers for 55 years before they went back to L.A.. His college career began in California as well and now, he is fighting for a chance to stay in the league. 

Luis Perez has bounced around several teams, leagues

Here is a look at Perez's career stops to this point. 

Los Angeles Rams (2018)
Birmingham Iron- AAF (2019)
Philadelphia Eagles (2019)
Detroit Lions (2019)
Los Angeles Wildcats- XFL (2020)
New York Guardians- XFL (2022)
New Jersey Generals- USFL (2022)
Los Angeles Rams (2022)
Vegas Vipers- XFL (2023)
Arlington Renegades- XFL/UFL (2023-24)

 

That is quite the list and one most quarterbacks won't have the wherewithal to withstand. Of those 10 stops, only one of them lasted more than one season. But Perez has kept at it. He's persevered and has shown he is capable of getting the job done when his number has been called.

That is what made him the MVP of the 2023 XFL Championship Game. 

Now with the Chargers and a backup quarterback situation that could (and should) be wide open, he has a chance of having more than a cup of coffee with the team he grew up cheering for. 

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Travis Wakeman

Travis Wakeman Photo

Travis Wakeman has been covering the NFL since 2012 when he started with Bleacher Report. After reporting about the Broncos there until 2016, he joined the FanSided network as a site expert covering the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers while simultaneously covering the Broncos at Broncos Wire when that site launched. He then took over the Broncos site at FanSided in March 2020 and covered the team there until spring of 2024. A lifelong Broncos fan and fan of the game, Travis is filled with sometimes useless NFL knowledge, but it always serves him well in any trivia contest. You can follow him on Twitter/X @traviswakeman10.