Originally the Los Angeles Chargers for one season in 1960 before a lengthy stint in San Diego, the AFC West franchise only recently returned to L.A. Even though the team's latest relocation came with a large amount of controversy and pushback, one thing remains certain — the Chargers' legacy is one of the strongest in the NFL even to this day.

With a wide variety of superstar-caliber players suiting up for this franchise, with more than a few of these players making a tremendous impact at key positions, the Chargers have produced Pro Football Hall of Famers, players that went on to find much more success following their time with the organization and have even taken on players that may have come and went despite recording first illustrious careers elsewhere. Because of the immense talent that has passed through both Los Angeles and San Diego over the years, it is not hard to forget a few of the high-level players that have donned the blue, yellow and white.

However, there are five players in particular that often slip the mind when discussing the Chargers franchise.

Rodney Harrison, DB (1994 – 2002)

A two-time Super Bowl Champion as a member of the heralded New England Patriots, a team that his played for as a result of the final six seasons of his professional playing career, former NFL defensive back Rodney Harrison is often lauded for the time that he spent with the AFC East franchise. However, Harrison first served as a standout defender for the San Diego Chargers while suiting up for the franchise for nine seasons to begin his professional tenure. Originally selected by the Chargers in the fifth round of the 1994 NFL Draft out of Western Illinois, Harrison was ultimately a two-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro selection before officially hanging up his cleats 2008-09. Now a NFL analyst on ESPN, Harrison is regularly linked to the Patriots as his time in San Diego sometimes gets pushed to the side even to this day.

Shawne Merriman, LB (2005 – 2010)

A personality and a half during his professional playing days, it was nearly impossible to miss longtime NFL linebacker Shawne Merriman, who was quite the prolific tackler and all-around defender for both the San Diego Chargers and Buffalo Bills. Because Merriman played his last few seasons atop the highest level in Buffalo before hanging up his cleats in 2013 and eventually riding off into the sunset, the once in your face linebacker did really pop up in the media very much upon retiring. However, he is one of the best defensive players in the history of the Chargers franchise, and despite the fact that his mouth often took the spotlight away from his play, Merriman was a three-time Pro Bowler, one-time All-Pro selection and one-time Defensive Player of the Year. Originally selected by the Chargers in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft out of Maryland, Merriman infamously coined his “lights out” celebration that often took centerstage when he was blowing up opposing offenses for San Diego. Even though he strung together quite the career, his time in San Diego seemed like a flash in the pan as his career after football hasn't really brought Merriman into the spotlight very often, causing his name to get lost in the conversation of top defensive players from his era.

Dwight Freeney, DE (2013 – 2014)

Stringing together one of the best pass rushing careers in the history of the league, longtime Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney made a name for himself — and then some — as a member of the AFC South franchise. Originally selected by the Colts with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft out of Syracuse, Freeney would go on to spend a total of 11 seasons with Indianapolis before…joining the San Diego Chargers. Suiting up for the Colts, Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions before retiring in 2017, many often forget that Freeney's second NFL stop was in San Diego as his time with Indianapolis shines so brightly. Although encountering an injury-plagued first go-round with the Chargers before being used sparingly the following season, Freeney's general success atop the highest level should make any franchise that employed him proud to have him suit up for them.

Darren Sproles, RB (2005 – 2010)

Spending the last nine seasons with either the New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles, it is often forgotten that speedy running back and shifty return specialist Darren Sproles actually burst on the scene as a member of the San Diego Chargers back in 2005-06. Initially viewed as an undersized player that could contribute sparingly, the Chargers then allowed Sproles to explode en route to becoming a talented and useful member of the team's offensive backfield. Sproles established himself with the Chargers before going on to ultimately string together a memorable NFL playing career, one that wouldn't have been possible if not for his time in San Diego. Because of his impressive play throughout the years despite his size and stature, Sproles earned his respect and served as a vital piece of the puzzle for many successful teams as a NFL running back and special teamer.

Vincent Jackson, WR (2005 – 2011)

Before becoming the top pass catcher for the Tampa Bay Buccaners for five seasons to conclude his professional playing career, longtime NFL wide receiver Vincent Jackson initially became a household name as a member of the San Diego Chargers. Spending seven seasons in San Diego after being selected by the organization in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft out of Northern Colorado, Jackson produced three seasons of more than 1,000 yards en route to becoming a staple of the Chargers offense for several seasons. A three-time Pro Bowler with two of those appearances coming as a member of the Chargers, Jackson most notably became one of the first right-hand men to longtime San Diego signal caller Philip Rivers, who is arguably a top five player in the history of the franchise. Without Jackson and his ability to catch the football downfield and score touchdowns, who knows how Rivers' first few years under center would have panned out.