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Born on August 22, 1956, in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, Wesley Sandy "Wes" Chandler established...

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FOOTBALL NAME | Chandler Wes

"The Electric Gator: Wes Chandler's Record-Setting Rise"

Last updated 📅 2024-08-22

Born on August 22, 1956, in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, Wesley Sandy "Wes" Chandler established himself as a phenomenal talent early in his football journey. Even in a run-oriented wishbone offense at the University of Florida (1974-1977), Chandler's exceptional speed and knack for finding the endzone made him a standout player. He set a school record with 28 touchdowns and earned First-Team All-American honors in 1976 and 1977. His outstanding collegiate performance hinted at the explosive playmaker he would become in the professional ranks.

✦ College Career

At Florida, Chandler consistently defied the offensive scheme, leading the team in receiving yards for three consecutive seasons (1975-1977). He amassed 92 receptions for 1,963 yards and a then-school-record 22 receiving touchdowns. His senior year also saw him finish tenth in the Heisman Trophy voting. Chandler's impact went beyond receiving, as he added six more touchdowns on rushes and kick returns, setting a school record for total touchdowns with 28. His remarkable average of 21.3 yards per catch remains a testament to his big-play ability.

✦ Road to the Pro Game

Chandler's exceptional college career made him a highly coveted prospect, and he was selected third overall in the 1978 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. This high draft position underscored the recognition of his explosive talent and potential to impact an NFL offense.

✦ Football Legacy

Wes Chandler's NFL legacy is highlighted by his electrifying speed and remarkable receiving skills. After being drafted by the Saints, he was traded to the San Diego Chargers in 1981, where he truly flourished. In the strike-shortened 1982 season, Chandler had a record-setting year, leading the league in receiving yards per game (129.0) and receiving touchdowns. He earned First-Team All-Pro honors that season and was a four-time Pro Bowl selection (1979, 1982, 1983, 1985). Over his 11-year NFL career with the Saints, Chargers, and San Francisco 49ers, Chandler amassed 559 receptions for 8,966 yards and 56 touchdowns. At the time of his retirement, he ranked among the top fifteen in NFL history for both receiving yards and receptions. His impact on the Chargers' high-powered "Air Coryell" offense was significant, and he is a member of the Los Angeles Chargers Hall of Fame. Chandler's outstanding college career was further honored with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015.

✦ Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats:

College Accolades:

✦ First-Team All-American (1977)

✦ Third-Team All-American (1976)

✦ 2x First-Team All-SEC (1976, 1977)

✦ Heisman Trophy Finalist (10th, 1977)

✦ University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame

✦ College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2015)

✦ NFL Accolades & Awards:

✦ First-Team All-Pro (1982)

✦ Second-Team All-Pro (1979)

✦ 4x Pro Bowl (1979, 1982, 1983, 1985)

✦ NFL Receiving Yards Leader (1982)

✦ NFL Receiving Touchdowns Leader (1982)

✦ Los Angeles Chargers Hall of Fame

✦ San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team

✦ San Diego Chargers 40th Anniversary Team

✦ Career Stats (NFL):

✦ Receptions: 559

✦ Receiving Yards: 8,966

✦ Receiving Touchdowns: 56

✦ Rushing Yards: 84

✦ Kickoff Return Yards: 1,048

✦ Punt Return Yards: 428

✦ All-Purpose Yards: 10,526

  • HASHTAGS: #August22 #ChandlerWes #WesChandler #WideReceiver #FloridaGators #LosAngelesChargers #NewOrleansSaints #SanDiegoChargers #SanFrancisco49ers #Number89 #Number81 #CollegeFootballHallofFame
  • DOB: August 22
  • EVENTDAY: August 22
  • FOOTBALL NAME: Chandler Wes, Wes Chandler
  • FOOTBALL POSITION: Wide Receiver
  • FOOTBALL TEAM: Florida Gators, Los Angeles Chargers, New Orleans Saints, San Diego Chargers, San Francisco 49ers
  • NCAAF JERSEY: Number 89
  • NFL JERSEY: Number 81, Number 89
  • SPORTS: College Football Hall of Fame
football name

"Chandler, Wes"

Relive the spectacular career of Wes Chandler, the record-breaking receiver from Florida who became a Pro Bowl sensation and Hall of Famer with the Chargers.Before lighting up the NFL, Wes Chandler was rewriting the record books at the University of Florida. Despite playing in a run-oriented offense, his explosive speed and knack for finding the endzone made him a two-time All-American and a Heisman Trophy contender. This series will explore his dominant collegiate career, where he set school records for touchdowns and receiving yards, hinting at the brilliance that was to come.
From Gainesville, Chandler soared into the professional ranks, becoming a first-round draft pick. This series will then trace his impactful NFL journey, primarily with the San Diego Chargers, where he became a four-time Pro Bowler and an All-Pro selection. We'll revisit his record-setting 1982 season, where he led the league in receiving yards and touchdowns, solidifying his place as one of the era's most dynamic wide receivers and a beloved figure in Chargers history, ultimately earning him a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame. Find more photos and a Big thanks to the image above courtesy of NFL Past Players - Wes Chandler Relive the spectacular career of Wes Chandler, the record-breaking receiver from Florida who became a Pro Bowl sensation and Hall of Famer with the Chargers.Before lighting up the NFL, Wes Chandler was rewriting the record books at the University of Florida...