For anyone, it’s a dream to play for the team you’re a fan of growing up.
Quarterback Luis Perez, the San Diego native, is experiencing that feeling after signing with the Chargers a week ago.
“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,” Perez said. “Not only for myself, but for my family.”
Perez was brought in just days before Los Angeles’ preseason opener against the Seahawks and had to get familiar with the playbook quickly.
“Yeah, just enhanced times ten because I only had two practices and then played,” Perez said. “The coaches did a great job helping me, staying after and giving me stuff that I was comfortable with. They didn’t go out and give me stuff right before or stuff I wasn’t comfortable with.”
Perez threw for 61 yards, the most in the game. His highlight throw was a 36-yarder to rookie wide receiver Jaylen Johnson.
hello luis perez
📺 | CBS LA + Estrella pic.twitter.com/omBXVVd5fr
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) August 11, 2024
After coming in on short notice before his performance in the preseason game, the coaches praised Perez.
“He’s in here late every day trying to pick it up,” offensive coordinator Greg Roman said. “Ended up going out there and doing a pretty good job. He’s got a lot to learn, a lot to catch up on. He’s sprinting to do it and really feels the sense of urgency. Been really impressed by that.”
Head coach Jim Harbaugh: “For a guy who’s been here [since Tuesday], pretty outstanding. Now we want more. But he’s attacking it. He’s here early, staying late. Doing everything in his power.”
Despite being on the roster for only a little over a week, Perez has garnered the coaches’ attention, and if he continues to play well, he could make a push for the backup spot.
