Chargers Announce Decision on Rookie RB Omarion Hampton

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Audilet | Last updated May 20, 2025 1:33 PM ET

The Los Angeles Chargers gained a new offensive weapon before the 2025 NFL season, selecting North Carolina standout running back Omarion Hampton with their No. 22 overall pick in the first round.

Hampton led the ACC in rushing yards and rushing attempts in each of his last two seasons with the Tar Heels. Over the course of his three-year career in Chapel Hill, he recorded 3,565 rushing yards and 36 rushing touchdowns.

On Monday, Hampton and the Chargers made things official.

Hampton signed a four-year, $17.77 million rookie contract with the organization — including a $9.56 million signing bonus. The 22-year-old ball carrier is now locked in and ready for his debut campaign with the Chargers franchise.

"Official," the Chargers wrote in their announcement on Monday.

official pic.twitter.com/yyQRbnCGod
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) May 19, 2025

Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh is clearly looking forward to utilizing Hampton this coming season.

"This is a player that can play on third down really well," Harbaugh said after the draft. "Gives Justin somebody to throw to out of the backfield. He's also a really good pass protector. His game is just really, really well-rounded. He's a bigger back, 220 pounds, but can still run in the 4.4s and, like I said before, score the ball. Just so many things that he's really good at, and we're fired up to get him.

"This was something that was unanimous. You try to predict what's going to happen with each pick, and ultimately, we're picking what we feel is the best player available when it comes time to have our pick. And like Joe said, it's not something that was ever split on Mr. Hampton. If he's there at 22 that's somebody that we're fired up to get."

The Chargers will begin their 2025 NFL campaign with a Week 1 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sep. 5.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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