EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Jim Harbaugh is known for taking press conferences in unexpected directions, and day one of Chargers training camp was no exception. What began as football talk quickly veered from his White House visit to nearly being taken deep by a baseball legend.
Harbaugh spoke for about 26 minutes, spending nearly half of that time reflecting on his recent trip to meet President Donald Trump at the White House, accompanied by his family, including his parents and brother John, the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens.
From the podium, Harbaugh listed the seven U.S. presidents he has met: Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan (“THE ACTOR?!”), George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Donald Trump.
“Pope Francis, can’t leave him out,” Harbaugh added. “Not a president but doesn’t get any higher, doesn’t get any better than Pope Francis. I think seven presidents, four first ladies, I’ve caught 22 foul balls in games. Legit … I’m really proud of that.”
Great time hanging out in the Oval Office with President Trump, Los Angeles Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, and Baltimore Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
📸: @dto_rok pic.twitter.com/CBnrPhmyRE
— Alex Bruesewitz 🇺🇸 (@alexbruesewitz) July 11, 2025
Ah, yes, and who could forget the 22 foul balls — or home runs — Harbaugh says he’s caught over the years. He devoted a solid four minutes to the topic.
When the conversation circled back to his meeting with Trump, Harbaugh said the President shares the same concerns as fans — mainly, what the Chargers are doing to surround quarterback Justin Herbert with the right weapons and protection.
“I said, ‘That’s top of mind, Mr. President,’ “Harbaugh said. “He [Trump] is very knowledgeable about all sports and especially football.”
Harbaugh went full Harbaugh and took it a step further when it comes to showering his quarterback with praise.
“I told him the same thing I told you all, I think Justin’s biggest weaknesses: those around him that he’s counting on an offense,” Harbaugh explained. “Us coaches, playmakers, and players on offense. We’ve got to get to Justin Herbert’s level.”
When asked after practice about his head coach’s comments, Herbert paused for a moment, took it in, and gave it some thought.
“My mindset is just to be the best quarterback that I can be,” Herbert said. “To attack every day and just get better every day and be the quarterback and the leader and the teammate that the team needs for me. It’s great to have a coach that believes in me like that. It definitely doesn’t hurt. I want to make him proud.Â
“We know how special a coach he is, and you know, the way he infects everyone on this, this team, you know, we got a lot of respect for him, and we love to play for him. So it’s, it’s cool to hear, but at the same time, I got a job to do, and I got to focus on that.”
Harbaugh finished his wild press conference, discussing baseball and how he had never seen one go over the fence he had hit, but he had an MLB legend hit one off of him.
“Barry Bonds hit one over a fence while I was pitching. When he was at Palo Alto High versus Serra High, he almost hit for the cycle off me, too,” Harbaugh said. “I think he was just missing the single.”
The biggest storyline from Day 1 of Chargers training camp centered around the position that’s been under the heaviest scrutiny all offseason — wide receiver.Â
The retirement of Mike Williams sent shockwaves through Chargers fans, especially those in attendance at The Bolt.
Naturally, Keenan Allen’s name began to trend in conversations, but just hours after the Williams news broke, the Chargers made headlines again. Rookie second-round pick Tre Harris officially signed his deal, ending a short holdout that began over the weekend. His arrival was well-timed.
Jessica Cryderman – The Sporting Tribune
Los Angeles Chargers’ wide receiver, Dez Fitzpatrick 87, reaches for a pass from Justin Herbert (10) during training camp July 17, 2025 at The Bolt training facility in El Segundo, CA.
Still, the Chargers must be cautious. Rushing Harris into the spotlight as the immediate replacement at the X-receiver spot — the role Williams was set to fill — could backfire. Harris needs time to grow into the system. But if his college production translates, the Bolts might have found a difference-maker for Justin Herbert and the offense.
“We got a bunch of time in this offseason, and I know that he’s been working hard this past couple of weeks, this time off,” Herbert said of Harris. “Whenever that deal gets done and he comes back, I know he’s not going to miss a beat. He’s done an incredible job. He’s picked up the offense really quickly. He’s a true pro. So it’s good to have a guy like that.”
The Chargers will need other receivers to step up, and on Thursday, one of the standout plays came from Jalen Reagor. The former first-rounder burned cornerback Cam Hart down the sideline for a 50-yard touchdown from Justin Herbert.
“I think he does everything really well,” Herbert said. “Whether it’s the quick game, whether it’s the intermediate stuff or whether it’s the deep balls like that, he’s definitely fast enough to be able to take the top off, and he’s such a great route-runner that he’s able to beat man coverage. Another guy that you feel comfortable going to, whether it’s zone or man. He just finds a way to get open.”
Reagor was a frequent target for Herbert during minicamp practices open to the media. While he may not fit the mold of a traditional X-receiver, his consistent playmaking could carve out a meaningful role in the offense.
During 7-on-7 drills, Herbert also connected with fifth-round pick KeAndre Lambert-Smith in the back of the end zone for a touchdown. Lambert-Smith, who had been sidelined during OTAs and minicamp, made several impressive plays — a promising sign as he ramps back into full action.
Speaking of the offense, Jim Harbaugh said that Zion Johnson and Bradley Bozeman will continue to interchange the center and left guard positions. On Thursday, it was Bozeman at center and Johnson at left guard.
“I don’t know how many days that will go like that until we lock it in,” Harbaugh said. “Will it be a better combination with him at center and Boze at guard? Or is it going to be better with Zion at guard and Boze at center? Let’s find out. How are we going to know? Like we do everything, they play the best.”
Harbaugh did say that he could see Jamaree Salyer and Trey Pipkins in the mix, but he likes Pipkins as their swing tackle.
Herbert made waves on Thursday, but not for the throws he was making during practice. After practice, he was signing autographs, and his eyes weren’t blue; they were red—Sith red, like in Star Wars.
Jessica Cryderman – The Sporting Tribune
Los Angeles Chargers’ quarterback, Justin Herbert 10, passes to wide receiver Quentin Johnston 1, during training camp July 17, 2025 at The Bolt training facility in El Segundo, CA.
When he spoke to the media, Herbert said he was wearing UV protection lenses that helped him see the field better.
“I didn’t have to squint nearly as much,” he said. “When I stepped into the huddle, I think some of the guys were a little surprised. Think they were like, ‘Oh, we’re gonna score.'”
A couple of seasons ago, Herbert wore a tinted visor to help, but kept having to wipe it off, and it was too much work.
He said he began wearing them during rookie camp earlier this week and felt comfortable, so he is going to continue wearing them. He will double-check with the league, but thinks they will help on game day.