John Hadl

San Diego Chargers

John Hadl has survived 10 years in pro football since he came out of Kansas more the running back than the passer and was handed the quarterbacking job with San Diego. And when the scouts' ratings are assessed the question may be how has he managed to do it?

For Hadl received a low 2.5 rating for throwing ability- the talent that is part and parcel of the passer and which experience can do little to enhance. He also received the same mark in reaction under pressure, again raising the question of his survival.
 

But Hadl has done it and, in doing it, has become one of the select group of passers to have gained more than 20,000 yards in his career.

The biggest plus for the 6-foot-l, 218-pounder, whose career has been consistently inconsistent, appears to be his leadership qualities. And his experience has given him a good grade in reading defenses.

Hadl seems to have been able to parlay those two qualities into a successful and long career with the Chargers, overriding what the scouts feel are his obvious deficiencies and turning back young Marty Domres whenever there is a threat to his job.

When the 1972 season begins, Hadl will be 32, still young enough to handle the job until there is a significant challenge.

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