Justin Herbert isn’t running from the past - he’s owning it, learning from it, and using it as fuel.
As the Los Angeles Chargers gear up for Week 17 with a playoff spot already locked in, Herbert took a moment to reflect on last year’s painful postseason exit. And he didn’t sugarcoat anything.
That Wild Card loss to the Houston Texans still stings. Herbert, who had come off a strong regular season in 2024, was bottled up in a way we rarely see.
Just 14 completions on 32 attempts, 242 yards, one touchdown - and four interceptions. The Chargers managed just 12 points in a 32-12 defeat that ended their season with a thud.
Now, as the 2025 playoffs loom, Herbert made it clear: that game isn’t something he’s trying to forget. It’s something he’s determined to grow from.
“No one felt worse than I did after that game,” Herbert said this week. “And I think it's important to continue to move forward and realize that it's what happened.”
That kind of accountability isn’t just lip service. Herbert’s not pretending the loss didn’t happen - he’s embracing it as part of the journey. “It would be crazy of me to deny the truth of what happened and to live in this reality where if I tried to block it out, I don’t think that’s doing any good.”
This version of Herbert - reflective, driven, and brutally honest - is exactly what the Chargers need heading into January. He knows what he’s capable of, and more importantly, he knows where he fell short.
And let’s be clear: Herbert has bounced back. Through 15 games this season, he’s put together a strong campaign, throwing for 3,491 yards and 25 touchdowns, with 12 interceptions.
He’s also added another layer to his game on the ground, rushing 77 times for 461 yards and two scores. That mobility has added a new wrinkle to the Chargers’ offense - one that defenses have had to respect all year.
Los Angeles sits at 11-4, second in the AFC West behind the Denver Broncos, but ahead of the Chiefs and Raiders. In the broader AFC picture, they’re currently slotted fifth - just behind the Steelers and Jaguars, and ahead of the Bills and Texans.
So yes, the Chargers are in. But they’re not just looking to participate - they’re looking to make noise. And it all starts with Herbert, who’s not just chasing redemption - he’s building toward something bigger.
Next up? A rematch with the Texans.
Same opponent. Same stakes.
Different Herbert.
Kickoff is set for Dec. 27 at 4:30 p.m. ET in Los Angeles. You can bet Herbert has had this one circled.