Philip Rivers on the idea of the Raiders replacing the Chargers in San Diego: ‘Sickening’

The Chargers and Raiders have been divisional rivals since the start of the AFL back in 1960. The Chargers have been located in San Diego almost as long, moving south from Los Angeles in 1961.

Philip Rivers has played a big part in that history, having spent all 12 of his NFL seasons as quarterback for the Chargers in San Diego.

With the Rams moving to Los Angeles and the Chargers being the first team invited to join them, there’s always the possibility of the Raiders moving from Oakland to San Diego.

And that, quite frankly, makes Rivers sick to his stomach.

“That one can get me a little nauseated, to be honest with you,� Rivers said when presented with the hypothetical scenario during a recent interview on San Diego’s Mighty 1090 AM. “The thought of that one is a little sickening. That one’s hard to stomach.�

The Chargers and Raiders tried to pair up for relocation to Carson, but that plan was shot down by NFL owners last week in favor of the Rams’ Inglewood plan.

The Chargers’ option to pair up with the Rams expires on Jan. 15, 2017. If voters approve public financing for a new stadium in San Diego, the L.A. option would be extended one year. If the Chargers don’t make the move, the Raiders will be given the same one-year option.

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“It’s hard enough thinking about moving and being away from a community that, shoot, I’ve been here 12 years and just the Chargers in general 55 years,� Rivers said. “But the thought of the Raiders being here and us not might be tougher than all the rest.�

But, he added, “you said it was hypothetical. Let’s hope it doesn’t get to that.�

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