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Ladd McConkey sets new Chargers record for most catches by a rookie
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Ladd McConkey has enjoyed a tremendous rookie campaign for the Los Angeles Chargers, picking up where he left off after a decorated career at Georgia.
On Saturday against the New England Patriots, McConkey made Chargers history with his 72nd catch of the season, the most by a rookie in the franchise’s history. The previous mark was set by Keenan Allen in 2013.
Here’s video of McConkey’s milestone catch:
McConkey entered Saturday with 69 catches for 960 yards. At halftime against the Patriots, he had 6 catches for 50 yards and a touchdown, giving him 6 scores on the season while putting him over the 1,000-yard receiving mark.
Under Jim Harbaugh and with Justin Herbert behind center, McConkey has had immediate success at the professional level. He was taken in the second round by the Chargers following a college career that saw him win 2 national championships.
L.A. started the day at 9-6, needing a win to clinch a playoff spot. A loss would see it punch a postseason ticket if the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts either lost or tied their respective Week 17 games.
The Chargers have made a remarkable turnaround from their 5-12 season in 2023, and McConkey is part of the reseason why.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
