Trinity Classical Academy defensive backs coach Cletis Gordon devoted nearly three years of his life to playing for the San Diego Chargers.
So when he heard they were coming to Los Angeles, he was both elated and disappointed.
“I know it’s been lingering for a year or so, or it’s been talked about them moving to L.A. for a while or just moving period. It’s kind of bittersweet,” Gordon, who joined the Knights in fall of 2015, said. “San Diego, I have a lot of memories there, and San Diego, in my opinion, will not be the same without the Chargers there.”
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Gordon, a cornerback, signed with the Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2006 and remained with the team until 2009 when he was released.
From 2006-2009, the Chargers were four-time AFC West champions. He recently completed his first season as a coach for Trinity.
“When I was there, thing were going well,” Gordon said. “The fans were awesome. They really came to support the Chargers. Every Sunday we played at home, the fans were always there. I’m sure the fans will be disappointed that the Chargers are leaving San Diego. A lot of people will be hurt by it.”
Chargers owner Dean Spanos announced the move on Thursday morning. The franchise was founded in L.A. in 1960 but moved after one season. Fifty-six years later, it’s coming back.
The relocation was decided after failing to develop a plan for a new stadium in San Diego.
“A good idea, I wouldn’t say that,” Gordon said of the move. “But I guess change is inevitable. So it’s business at the end of the day, and they have to make the best decision for their business. At the end of the day, I respect that.”
Gordon, who appeared in 29 games and had 22 tackles in San Diego, said that he thinks the team’s success on the field will be a driving force in whether or not Los Angeles football fans will embrace the transplanted club, but he’ll support it regardless.
“For me, personally, it’s bittersweet because I played there. I met my wife there. There’s a lot of memories there,” he said. “But I’m excited. They’re closer and they’re still the team that I pull for.
“(I’m) definitely going to some games. I might even try to get a coaching job there one day.”
