James Collins (Director of Football/Medical Services)

James Collins, the Chargers Director of Football/Medical Services was born in Lothian, Maryland, nearby the United State Naval Headquarters in Annapolis, Maryland. While trying to figure out his path in life, he left college and joined the Navy serving in Hospital corps school for 2 years before signing up for aviation physiology teaching real life situations and scenarios similar to popular scenes from the movie Top Gun. James Collins served as an Aviation Physiology Technician in the United States Navy from 1980-1984. Shortly after leaving the Navy, James enrolled in the Athletic Training program at San Diego State University and soon found himself in an internship turned full-time position for the then San Diego Chargers. After a few brief stints working within the Denver Broncos and Philadelphia Eagles AT staffs, James rejoined the Chargers in 1999 where he has remained an integral part of the organization to this day. In 2019, James Collins was featured in a Department of Defense '#BeyondTheUniform' video piece highlighting veterans now serving in distinguished and interesting careers. In addition to his support of various Chargers' Salute to Service programs over the years, he also helped coordinate the opening of the Chargers Courage House at Casa de Amparo, a safe-house for abused kids.