The Los Angeles Chargers' Week 1 matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders marked a seminal moment in the relationship between quarterback Justin Herbert and coach Jim Harbaugh.
After the national anthem ended, Harbaugh pounded Herbert's shoulder pads with his palms. Herbert, unprepared, attempted to go for a hug, but Harbaugh continued the barrage of slaps and punches to Herbert's pads.
The pad-punching stems from Harbaugh's 14-year playing career, a tip he learned from Bears teammate and Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton to ease his nerves.
Harbaugh has continued that ritual each game and Herbert's willingness to participate surprised some players. «Justin has always hated cameras and things where he's the center of attention,» left tackle Rashawn Slater said, «but I see him smiling when [Harbaugh] does it, so I'm like, that must be a sign that he really respects Coach.» One of the hallmarks of Harbaugh's coaching career has been his relationships with the quarterbacks he has coached.