Charlie Joiner redefined longevity and precision in the NFL, transforming from an overlooked defensive back prospect into one of the most prolific wide receivers in San Diego Chargers history.
Football Bio
October 14, 1947, Many, Louisiana – Charlie Joiner was born.
Charlie was a wide receiver out of Grambling State University, and the Houston Oilers used their fourth-round pick in the AFL-NFL Draft of 1969 to secure the rights to Joiner as a defensive back, according to his bio on profootballhof.com.
NFLPA –
Charlie Joiner in his Houston Oilers uniform circa 1971. Part of the NFLPA Wonderful World Stamps series.
Charlie played bits here and there with the Oilers on defense and special teams until 1972, when he was part of a multi-player deal with Cincinnati that made him a Bengal for the next four seasons of his career.
In 1976, Charlie Joiner was part of another trade that sent him to San Diego as a Charger.
This was a tremendous boost to his career, making him a star wideout in the offense of Coach Don “Air” Coryell and with a ball-slinger with the talents of one Dan Fouts.
Charlie played 18 seasons, 11 with the Chargers.
When he retired, he led the NFL in receptions with 750.
At retirement, Charlie had 12,146 receiving yards and 65 career TDs.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame inducted him into its Museum of Legends in 1996. [National Football Foundation]
Joiner cemented his legacy as a true ironman of the gridiron, leaving the game as the NFL’s all-time leading receiver and earning a well-deserved spot among football’s immortals.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Inducted into the Chargers Hall of Fame (1993), and the franchise retired his No. 18 jersey in 2023.
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996.
- Retired as the NFL’s all-time leader in career receptions (750) and receiving yards (12,146).
- Selected to 3 Pro Bowls (1976, 1979, 1980).
- Named First-Team All-Pro in 1980.
- Played 18 professional seasons, the longest career for any wide receiver in NFL history at the time of his retirement.
- Inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
2 comments