Chargers Start Recovery Process with a Parade

SAN DIEGO —  The healing process started Monday under a bright sky and beside a sparkling blue harbor. The wounded San Diego Chargers returned home and suddenly life didn’t look quite so glum.

“We took a licking, but there’ll be another day,” Coach Bobby Ross said. “I’ve told the players, what we have to do is just put that game behind us.”

Tens of thousands of fans poured into downtown San Diego to start the process.

Welcoming their team from a 49-26 Super Bowl loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Miami, the hometown crowd cheered and screamed, waved flags and “bolts” and tried to reassure the Chargers all is not so bleak.

“It’s a nice welcome after we did a not-so-good job,” said tight end Duane Young, his smile small and pained. “It hurts to lose like that. No one wants to lose like that. It hurts your pride. But this will help.”

Tired after a night of little sleep and a long flight, players and coaches looked grim. When they stepped off a bus from the airport and headed for a line of convertibles, a parade seemed the least of their preferences.

Asked how he was feeling, quarterback Stan Humphries mumbled: “Just tired, that’s all.” He sat signing autographs, patiently but without a smile or word, until the parade began.

Then Humphries seemed to cheer a bit, smiling and waving to the crowd as horns honked. By the time the parade was over, everyone was smiling.

“We’re going to bounce back,” shouted defensive tackle Reuben Davis. “The ‘bolt’ will be back.”

Lloyd Breese, who brought his wife and daughter to watch the team, agreed.

“After all, they did good just to get there this year,” Breese said. “Next year will be easier.”

“Next year is a definite win,” daughter Eva Lilly said.

“We’ve got all the ingredients,” chimed in wife Dottie Breese. “Good quarterback, good coaches. Well, we could use a couple good receivers.”

General Manager Bobby Beathard might agree.

As one fan shook his hand and told him he was a true gentleman, and another slapped him on the back and said, “Good job,” Beathard could manage only a weak smile.

“These are the best fans ever,” Beathard said. “But next time we have to win--give ‘em something to cheer about.”