Why Khalil Mack’s greatest impact on the Chargers may have nothing to do with sacks

Khalil Mack no longer measures his value solely by sacks.

At 35, with nearly everything an NFL pass rusher could ever ask for except a Super Bowl ring, the Los Angeles Chargers’ star linebacker has entered a new stage in his illustrious career.

His day job is still chasing quarterbacks all around the field on Sundays, but what he leaves behind when he eventually walks away from the sport weighs heavily on his mind. What legacy will he leave to the next generation?

During Wednesday’s opening practice on the first day of Chargers’ training camp, Mack was seen working with the offensive linemen, including rookie tackle Travis Burke, giving them insights on how pass rushers like himself try to get to the quarterback.

On Thursday, he spent extra time after practice with one the Chargers’ young edge rushers, answering questions about everything from hand placement to what he sees from the offense before the snap. Later, he threw passes to his young sons on the field.

“When you’re younger, you’re just trying to figure everything out,” Mack said. “If I can help shorten that learning curve, I’m going to.”

It’s exactly what new defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary sees every day.

O’Leary called Mack the “flag bearer” of the Chargers’ defensive culture, saying younger players don’t simply listen to him—they watch him. His practice habits, preparation and consistency have become the standard inside the building and his influence is everywhere.

Derwin James spends practices challenging young defensive backs to think faster while reminding them that “Year 3 is pivotal” in shaping a career. Daiyan Henley, now wearing the green dot, has embraced the responsibility of becoming the defense’s communicator and playcaller on the field. Meanwhile, Mack remains the quiet constant connecting every generation inside the locker room.

As Mack nears the finish line of a remarkable career, he seems less interested in talking about himself and his accomplishments, and more about preparing the players who will eventually replace him.

He even admitted conversations with former teammates who have already retired have changed his perspective. Life after football, they say, can be lonely. The game doesn’t wait for anyone.

Maybe that’s why Mack is pouring so much of himself into the next generation while he still has the chance.

The Chargers still need Mack to make tackles and terrorize quarterbacks, but in order for the team to reach their potential and win a playoff game, his greatest contribution might not be a game-changing sack. It might be the lessons he imparts upon the younger players.

Mack has decided his knowledge of the game is too valuable to keep to himself, and now that he’s reached that point it may benefit the Chargers long after he takes his final snap. 

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