Tragedy to Victory: San Diego Chargers

[football65]

Hello all! This will be my San Diego Chargers dynasty! People always talk about when the big earthquake will hit California, so I thought it would be interesting to play out a situation in which something similar occurs.
A quick note regarding gameplay: this dynasty will mainly be a sim-style CFM, but I will play certain noteworthy games and have reports on those. Regardless, I hope you guys enjoy! I appreciate all feedback and I look forward to seeing your responses!

Without further ado, please enjoy my San Diego Chargers Dynasty!

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Tragedy in San Diego
June 12, 2013
9:32 AM ET
Associative Press

It is being called one of the greatest tragedies in the history of the United States. A 9.6 magnitude struck San Diego this morning, injuring many and taking the lives of many more. Various areas in Southern California and even Mexico have reported that much of the infrastructure has been devasted by the earthquake. In Southern California alone, an estimated total of $7.9 billion worth of damage has been reported. All of California, including some parts of Nevada and Arizona, have reported damage, albeit very minimal. Updates will be provided as soon as the information arrives.

UPDATE: 12:08 PM

No light seems to be shining in San Diego today. Reports show that the estimated death count in Southerm California has exceeded 1.2 million, with more being treated for injuries. Many are calling this the worst natural disaster to ever strike the United States. The President has canceled his trip to Russia to visit San Diego and deliver a speech to the nation. Many question how the President plans to aid California through this tragedy.

UPDATE: 12:20 PM

Many shelters have limited spaces available. Although damaged, the city of San Diego is declaring Qualcomm Stadium and PETCO Park as shelters. The Mayor urges all in need of shelter to immediately find a way to reach either stadium.

Chargers Won't Play 2013 Season
June 15, 2013
3:47 PM ET
NFL.com

Following the tragedy in San Diego, reports have been confirmed: the Chargers will not be playing in 2013, and possibly won't in 2014. NFL officials are declaring the stadium "too dangerous" to play in, as the stadium has been terribly damaged. Additionally, only a few members of the team were survivors of the tragedy. The NFL is not entirely sure how to approach the situation, but has agreed to help the organization get back on its feet, and will additionally donate money to the city of San Diego in its recovery.

Chargers Face Possible Relocation
July 2, 2013
7:04 PM ET
NFL.com

The bad news just keeps coming in for San Diego. While the city is beginning to recover, the NFL announced today that it may "be forced into a situation" in which the Chargers relocate, or the team may be disbanded completely in favor of a new expansion team. Unless a solution is presented soon, San Diego faces a major possibility that they lose their beloved football team.

San Diego "Most Likely" will lose Teams
July 28, 2013
9:12 AM ET
NFL.com

Both the NFL and MLB have announced that the Chargers and Padres will likely relocate to other cities, due to "irreparable damage" done to the city. Barring a miracle, the city of San Diego will have officially lost both of its professional sports teams. While the Chargers can relocate with no issue, the Padres may be forced to stay in San Diego, due to legal constraints in their leasing agreement of their stadium.

New Ownership in San Diego
September 10, 2013
5:56 PM ET
NFL.com

The miracle San Diego needed may have finally arrived. Months after devastation, the Chargers and Padres have received new owners. The CEO of a local San Diego tech company has come to terms with agreements granting majority ownership of both organizations to him. Amongst others taking part of the purchase includes Dan Fouts, Hall of Fame Quarterback from the Chargers, and Tony Gwynn, Hall of Fame Outfielder from the Padres. With new ownership, and very strong ties to the city, it appears that San Diego will keep their professional teams.

The new owner will also put in money to restore Qualcomm Stadium and PETCO Park to playable conditions. Part of the deal includes that the city of San Diego donate land in the East Village of downtown San Diego (located next to PETCO Park) with the agreement that the land be used for a privately-funded stadium for the Chargers.

Additionally, the Chargers have elected to keep recently signed rookie Head Coach Mike McCoy and General Manager Tom Telesco.

San Diego to be treated as Expansion Team
October 21, 2013
2:00 PM ET
NFL.com

The NFL and the owners of the 32 organizations have agreed to treat the San Diego Chargers as an expansion team, in order to restore the team to having a full roster. The expansion draft will be held a few weeks after the the conclusion of the Super Bowl. Additionally, San Diego has been awarded the first pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.

[football65]

2013: Season Review

The 2013 NFL season was one marked by a tragedy occurring in San Diego. For the first time in NFL history, a team was forced into not playing any games, due to a natural disaster.

The NFL still was full of surprises: The Drew Brees-led New Orleans Saints defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl. Peyton Manning won his fifth MVP Award. The Jets, Giants, 49ers, and Bengals all have new Head Coaches. The Jaguars packed their bags and relocated to London as the Black Knights. The Raiders got a new stadium. The Rams move closer and closer to leaving St. Louis.

The elite QBs of this generation have retired: Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Drew Bree's have all retired and joined the Hall of Fame, in addition to New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.

2014 NFL Draft
Manziel, Matthews Reunited

The following is San Diego's Draft:
1. Johnny Manziel QB
2. Jake Mathews LT (from WAS)
3. David Hurd RG
4. Gabe Lynn CB
4. Louis Young CB (from WAS)
5. Brandon Webb LG
6. Melvin Gordon HB
7. Devin Street WR

Other notable draftees include Tahj Boyd (2nd overall, Browns), Teddy Bridgewater (4th overall, Black Knights) and Jadeveon Clowney (3rd overall, Lions)

Rams Announce Relocation

In a not-so-shocking development, the Rams have confirmed rumors that they will be relocating back to Los Angeles, keeping their name. It is not yet known if they will change their uniforms back to their signifiers blue and yellow scheme.

Chargers Change Uniforms

In the spirit of new ownership, and as the city recovers, San Diego has announced that they will be changing their uniforms back to their original powder blue uniforms. This has proved to be a great move, as spirits are high in San Diego.

Johnny Manziel: Boom or Bust?

Johnny Manziel has more to deal with than just being the first overall pick; he has the responsibility of lifting the spirits of a broken city. Manziel, who won his second Heisman Trophy last year, is considered by most to result in being a bust. However, to his credit, he has shown a lot of maturity over the past few weeks, and has convinced many that he is the correct choice for this franchise. Only time will tell.

[football65]

Chargers Play First Game since City's Devastation
Chargers Win in an Emotional Return

Over a year after the largest earthquake recorded in United States history, the San Diego Chargers were finally able to return to football, with a new look, new coach, and, essentially, new players.

It was an emotional matchup in San Diego this Sunday. The pre-game ceremony paid tribute to all fallen Chargers from last year's tragedy, and there was not a dry eye in the stadium during those moments.

The games first score came from MLB Manti Te'o. On the Vikings first possession, rookie QB Marcus Mariora threw an interception, and Te'o was able to return it for a touchdown. The fans cheered, the touchdown was more symbolic to the fans than one would imagine.
Following a Johnny Manziel interception, HB Adrian Peterson would score on a 7 yard run to the endzone.
On the ensuing drive, Manziel connected with WR Keenan Allen for a 4 yard TD pass, the first of Manziel's career.
After a Vikings's three-and-out, the Chargers scored again on a one yard run by HB Melvin Gordon.
Later in the fourth quarter, Manziel found Keenan Allen again for their second TD of the day. Manziel would score on a 1 yard play on the Chargers next offensive series.
Te'o would finish off the game, collecting his 2nd int in the game.
The Chargers would end up winning the emotional game by a score of 35-7.

Stats:
Manziel - 16/24 for 223 yards, 2 TDs, 1 int, 1 rush TD
Gordon - 23 ATT for 115 yards, 1 TD
Allen - 9 REC for 118 yards, 2 tds
Te'o - 6 TAK, 2 INT, 1 TD

The Vikings are playing for coach Leslie Frazier's future this season. San Diego is playing for their city. Fan or not, this win means a lot more for the Chargers than it would have for the Vikings. Finally, the future is bright in San Diego.