Derwin James Jr.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
| Position | College | Years in the NFL |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | Florida State University | 6 |
Demonstrates Excellence on the Field
Derwin James demonstrates excellence and dedication on the field. He is one of just four NFL players and the only defensive back in the last 20 years to top 400 tackles, nine sacks and eight interceptions within the first 60 games of a career. He also reached 400 career tackles in his 55th career game, doing so faster than any defensive back in the last 30 seasons. A three-time Pro Bowl starter at safety, James was named a first-team Associated Press All-Pro at safety as a rookie and a second-team selection at defensive back. James has started all 56 career games with the Chargers and has been a team captain the past three seasons, the team's undisputed leader.
In his sixth NFL season, James is one of the NFL's top safeties and the most versatile defensive chess piece in football. Through six games this season, James had 37 tackles, an interception, a tackle for loss, and three passes defensed. Through those games, the Chargers averaged 2 sacks per game on third and fourth down, which ranked second in the NFL through six games.
Demonstrates Dedication and Commitment to Community Efforts this Year
A former "Club Kid" member of his hometown Boys and Girls Club, James has been a longtime supporter of the organization. He has been a consistent presence at Southern California clubs throughout his six NFL seasons, visiting with the children they serve and regularly hosting giveback events.
This year, he joined the Chargers Impact Fund for the launch of the Bolts Book Club summer reading program at the Watts-Willowbrook clubhouse. During the visit, in which he read and spoke in front of everyone in attendance, James learned that the club had recently fallen short of their fundraising goal to purchase school
supplies for all its members. Without hesitation, and not something that was preplanned, James made up the difference, personally paying for school supplies and backpacks for 50 additional children.
Moreover, James is passionate about sharing his love of the game with others and has been a prominent champion of girls' flag football. In addition to hosting the Conquer SoCal girls' flag team for a special meet-and- greet at Chargers Training Camp, James attended the first annual Chargers Girls Flag Championship Tournament and spoke to all the participants to kick off the event.
In his hometown of Haines City, Florida, James also gives his success back to the community. He hosted a free youth football camp for 400 athletes and provided them with $25,000+ worth of apparel and swag. He also outfitted 250 children from the greater Haines City community with backpacks before the school year and hosted Thanksgiving events in Haines City and Santa Ana this year.
Finally, he recently hosted Derwin's Disco at Wallis Annenberg GenSpace, a state-of-the-art senior center in Los Angeles. Asked why hosting an event for the aging community was important, he explained, "I don't want people to think we [forget] them. I want to make them feel young again." James also funded and hosted a 70s-themed party that included a light-up dance floor, food, a DJ, and games.
Demonstrates Dedication and Commitment to Community Efforts in Years Past
James has proven himself to be a man of character both on and off the field. There is no player who is more reliable and consistent when it comes to participating in team- and player-led community events. Only days after being selected 17th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, he joined local youth football players at the site that would later become SoFi Stadium. A fixture at team community events, he has become a beloved member of the community due to his giving and kind nature.
James ensures he contributes to the existing programming at Boys and Girls clubhouses throughout Southern California. Since his rookie season, he has consistently hosted events such as Thanksgiving meal giveaways and Christmas parties where he can personally interact with current club members.
James' commitment to giving back extends beyond a specific cause. He has surprised a long-time fan at their house as a gesture of gratitude and supported a family that lost their house in a fire by going on a shopping spree with them in the team store. James partnered with Snoop Dogg to distribute free Beyond Meat items in the LA community. Additionally, he hosted a Thanksgiving meal giveaway at the Santa Ana Boys and Girls Club and collaborated with Oakley to team up with the nonprofit Onesight, hosting a free vision clinic for kids and families in Inglewood.
The list of James' philanthropic endeavors continues to grow. He has volunteered to raise awareness and funding for shelter animals, lent his likeness to a Chargers-branded Mattel Little People set that supported fundraising for the critical work of the Chargers Impact Fund, and starred in a PSA encouraging fans to donate to Baby to Baby during a formula shortage, which left many mothers in underserved communities struggling to feed their babies.
Demonstrates Consistency in Positive Character and Models a Lifestyle of Giving Back
James has established himself as a role model amongst his peers and proven his dedication to the team. Whether in times of success for the team and his personal achievements or during challenges, he consistently proves to be a player and person who can be relied upon to support his team and never loses sight of what it means to be a role model. James' teammates hold him in such high esteem that they selected him as the Chargers' Ed Block Courage Award recipient in 2021 for displaying "professionalism, great strength and dedication." He was also designated as the Chargers' 2021 nominee for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award. This recognition celebrates players across the league who embody exceptional sportsmanship, highlighting the character and leadership qualities that he consistently demonstrates.
