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Ladd McConkey Made Chargers History on Saturday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By J.C. Shelton | Last updated Dec 28, 2024 6:02 PM ET

Rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey is in a company of his own after setting a pair of franchise records on Saturday.

The Chargers (10-6) met the New England Patriots (3-13) at Gillette Stadium in what would become a meaningful game for Los Angeles.

The easy 40-7 victory punched Los Angeles' ticket to the playoff and solidified their decision to draft a former college walk-on in the second round of the 2024 draft.

McConkey, once again, played a large role for the Chargers' offense. The rising star connected with quarterback Justin Herbert on eight passes for 94 yards and two touchdowns.

McConkey is now the only rookie in franchise history to eclipse 1,000 yards receiving (1,054) in one season. The former Georgia receiver also holds the record for the most receptions by a Chargers rookie (77).

we love ladd pic.twitter.com/kcdzxX9Bcm
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) December 28, 2024

McConkey (6-foot, 185 pounds) was an All-SEC selection for the Bulldogs after working his way up the depth chart against highly-touted recruits. He held zero Power Four offers coming out of Chatsworth, Georgia, and yet blossomed as a walk-on.

Despite his production at UGA, which included 1,687 receiving yards and 18 total touchdowns, McConkey was considered undersized as an NFL prospect. After seven other receivers heard their names called first, McConkey was finally taken with the No. 34 overall pick in the second round.

That could very well be the best decision, thus far, for first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh in Los Angeles, as McConkey sits second in receiving yards among all NFL rookie receivers.

The Chargers will secure a fifth-seed in the playoffs with a win next week against the Las Vegas Raiders (3-12) and a Steelers loss.

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

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