Introduction
Justin Herbert has quickly become one of the most exciting names in the NFL. Known for his strong arm, poise under pressure, and ability to make big plays, Herbert has established himself as the face of the Los Angeles Chargers franchise. Since entering the league in 2020, the young quarterback has already set multiple records and continues to show promise as one of the future superstars of American football. This article explores Justin Herbert’s early life, college career, NFL journey, achievements, and his potential to become one of the all-time great quarterbacks.
Early Life and Background
Justin Patrick Herbert was born on March 10, 1998, in Eugene, Oregon. Growing up in a sports-oriented family, Herbert was surrounded by athletics from an early age. His grandfather, Rich Schwab, was a football player at the University of Oregon in the 1960s, while his father, Mark Herbert, was an accomplished athlete in football, basketball, and track.
Herbert attended Sheldon High School in Eugene, where he excelled in multiple sports, including football, basketball, and baseball. As a high school quarterback, he threw for over 3,000 yards and 34 touchdowns in his senior season, showcasing his natural talent and leadership skills. Despite suffering a leg injury in his junior year, Herbert attracted attention from several college programs, but ultimately chose to stay close to home and play for the Oregon Ducks.
College Career at Oregon
Herbert joined the University of Oregon in 2016 and quickly made an impact. As a true freshman, he became the starting quarterback midway through the season, becoming the first freshman starter for Oregon since 1983. He demonstrated impressive accuracy, decision-making, and athleticism, throwing for 1,936 yards and 19 touchdowns in just eight games.
Over the next three seasons, Herbert developed into one of the top college quarterbacks in the nation. His combination of size (6’6”), arm strength, and mobility made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. In his senior year (2019), Herbert led the Ducks to a Pac-12 Championship and a Rose Bowl victory over Wisconsin, where he was named the Rose Bowl Offensive MVP.
By the time he left Oregon, Herbert had thrown for over 10,000 yards and 95 touchdowns, solidifying his reputation as a top NFL prospect.
NFL Draft and Rookie Season
Justin Herbert was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers with the sixth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Initially, he was expected to sit behind veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor to learn and develop. However, an unexpected medical issue with Taylor before Week 2 of the 2020 season thrust Herbert into the starting role earlier than anticipated.
Herbert’s NFL debut was against the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, and he immediately impressed by throwing for over 300 yards and nearly leading the Chargers to victory. Throughout his rookie season, Herbert consistently delivered strong performances, displaying composure well beyond his years.
He broke multiple rookie records, including:
- Most touchdown passes by a rookie quarterback (31).
- Most completions by a rookie (396).
- Most total touchdowns by a rookie (36).
At the end of the season, Herbert was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, cementing his status as one of the league’s most promising young quarterbacks.
Continued Growth and Achievements
In his second season (2021), Herbert continued to build on his success. He threw for 5,014 yards and 38 touchdowns, setting a Chargers franchise record for single-season passing yards. His performance earned him a Pro Bowl selection, and he became the youngest quarterback in NFL history to reach 5,000 passing yards in a season.
Despite the Chargers narrowly missing the playoffs in 2021, Herbert’s talent was undeniable. He demonstrated exceptional arm strength, deep-ball accuracy, and an ability to perform in clutch moments. Analysts and fans alike began to see Herbert as not only the future of the Chargers but also as one of the top quarterbacks in the league.
In 2022, Herbert faced challenges due to injuries to key teammates and his own rib injury early in the season. Still, he managed to guide the Chargers to their first playoff appearance since 2018. Although the team suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Wild Card round, Herbert’s leadership and resilience stood out.
Playing Style and Strengths
Justin Herbert’s success comes from a unique blend of physical attributes and mental toughness. Some of his key strengths include:
- Arm Strength – Herbert can make deep throws with ease, often launching passes over 60 yards with precision.
- Composure Under Pressure – He remains calm in the pocket even when facing heavy pass rushes, making smart decisions.
- Mobility – At 6’6”, Herbert moves surprisingly well, often extending plays with his legs and picking up crucial first downs.
- Football IQ – His ability to read defenses and adjust plays at the line of scrimmage reflects his deep understanding of the game.
These qualities make Herbert not just a good quarterback but a potential generational talent.
Off the Field
Beyond football, Justin Herbert is known for his humility and quiet personality. Unlike many high-profile athletes, Herbert tends to stay away from the spotlight, focusing instead on his craft and his team. His grounded attitude has earned him respect from teammates, coaches, and fans.
Herbert is also involved in community service, often participating in charity events and outreach programs organized by the Chargers. His commitment to both football and giving back to the community makes him a well-rounded role model.
Future Outlook
As of now, Justin Herbert is considered one of the cornerstones of the NFL’s new generation of quarterbacks. With Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen as his contemporaries, Herbert is expected to be part of the league’s most competitive era of quarterback play.
The Chargers have shown faith in Herbert by building their roster around him, signing key offensive weapons, and strengthening the offensive line to protect their star quarterback. If Herbert continues to develop and the team can provide consistent support, there is little doubt that he will contend for Super Bowl titles in the near future.
Conclusion
Justin Herbert’s journey from a small-town kid in Oregon to one of the NFL’s brightest stars is nothing short of inspiring. In just a few seasons, he has proven himself as an elite quarterback with the potential to rewrite record books and lead the Los Angeles Chargers to glory.
With his combination of talent, determination, and leadership, Herbert is not only shaping the future of the Chargers but also leaving a lasting mark on the NFL. Fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate what the next chapters of his career will bring.