Jim Harbaugh hails Chargers QB Justin Herbert as “Crown Jewel of the NFL”

Harbaugh has a very high opinion about his Chargers quarterback Herbert.

Jim Harbaugh hails Chargers QB Justin Herbert as “Crown Jewel of the NFL”

Jim Harbaugh and Justin Herbert (Image via FirstSportz)

Jim Harbaugh is itching to coach Justin Herbert. During his introductory press conference, Harbaugh revealed that the Los Angeles Chargers quarterback is a ‘crown jewel’ of the NFL.

The Chargers hired Harbaugh last week, following his CFP National Championship triumph with Michigan. It was a no-brainer because of the 60-year history of the franchise. He was their quarterback for two seasons (1999–2000), making him one of the prime candidates for the job because he was familiar with the culture.

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Harbaugh has a great track record of developing quarterbacks. Herbert, being a former No. 1 pick, should excite him. Besides the 2023 season, in which he missed a chunk due to injury, the 25-year-old has shown that he can make a difference given the right pieces around him.

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Justin Herbert—he's a crown jewel in the National Football League.
Harbaugh in his introductory presser

As per Harbaugh, the pair of safety Derwin James Jr. and offensive tackle Rashawn Slater could prove to be some of the key cogs in the Chargers wheel.

[They] can't wait to work, are ready to work, and they want to win.

Harbaugh was star-struck after meeting Herbert

It’s not often that a highly sought-after coach has a fanboy moment meeting a young quarterback. Yet that was the case when Harbaugh first met Charger No. 1.

Jim Harbaugh hails Chargers QB Justin Herbert as "Crown Jewel of the NFL"
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (Image via CNN)

During Sunday’s appearance on NFL on CBS, he revealed,

I met him, and I was a little starstruck, meeting Justin.

The excitement goes both ways. According to Colin Cowherd of FOX Sports, Herbert was also looking forward to playing under Harbaugh.

Herbert was on his way to another 4000-yard season with the Chargers. Unfortunately, his campaign was cut short after just 13 games following surgery on his index finger in December. Before that, he had 3,134 yards on a 65.1 completion percentage, 20 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions.

In Herbert’s absence, backup Easton Stick took charge of the quarterback job. Unfortunately, he was unable to stop the Chargers from losing four straight games and losing the chance to appear in the playoffs once again.

Since his draft, Herbert has played only one post-season game. It was a loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2022 wild card round. The Chargers fans can hope that Harbaugh can change their fortunes. He has a 5-year deal in his hands, and with Herbert as his quarterback, it’s exciting times for the Bolts.

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