Former Chargers quarterback Dan Fouts helped revolutionize the NFL as a prolific passer for the Chargers' famed “Air Coryell” offense in the 1980s.

The Hall of Famer also shares some similarities with incoming Chargers rookie Justin Herbert. Both attended Oregon, and just as Fouts helped the Chargers emerge as perennial contenders in the AFC, the team hopes Herbert will be their quarterback of the future.

Fouts gave his assessment of Herbert earlier this weekend, saying he was “excited” to see what Herbert has in store for Chargers fans (via Gavino Borquez of USA TODAY):

“They’re getting everything they want. Obviously, the physical tools are there, the intelligence is there; the toughness, competitiveness. He’s a good guy,” Fouts said. “(And I say that) not just because he’s a Duck and now he’s going to be a Charger. I’m very excited to watch him play.”

Fouts also said Herbert should have no trouble with the rigors of learning an NFL offense (via Borquez):

“But any quarterback that gets his start in the league as a rookie, there is so much to learn. You don’t even have any idea how much you have to learn, but you do learn every day,” Fouts said. “I think that’s the key. When you’ve got the brain that Herbert has, I think learning will come easy.”

The Chargers selected Herbert with the sixth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Though he figures to sit behind Tyrod Taylor, the team will likely give him every opportunity to push Taylor and compete for the starting job.

Regardless, Herbert will have Fouts in his corner as he begins his NFL career.