While football quarterback Jameson Wang did not hear his name get called during the 2025 National Football League Draft, he will have his chance to shine for three days starting Friday, May 9 at the Los Angeles Chargers Rookie Mini Camp — where he will possibly grab a spot playing for a pro team this fall.
The Chargers, along with the other 31 teams in the NFL, hold these camps as an opportunity for drafted players, undrafted free agents and non-roster tryouts to try out for the team through a series of individual and team training sessions. These camps are invite-only and give players the opportunity to showcase their skills and vouch for a spot on the team.
“It is a blessing. I am super grateful for this opportunity to work hard and show them what I can do,” Wang said. “The goal of the camp for me is to get signed or get an invite back to training camp to hopefully make the team.”
Around 40 to 60 players attend these camps for roughly 10 hours each day. Players will be hoping to get invited back to training camp in July, where they will officially work to receive a roster or practice squad spot. Teams are only allowed a 90-man roster during the offseason, which they must trim down to 53 active players before the regular season starts.
Wang says he has been training since January for his shot at a professional career and feels “really good and confident” about all the work he has put in.
“I have been training for the past four months — lifting, running, throwing, studying film and staying in shape,” Wang said. “I have been preparing for a moment like this.”
Looking at the Chargers depth in terms of QBs, it has solidified its franchise quarterback with fifth-year quarterback Justin Herbert. Behind him, the Chargers have signed quarterback Taylor Heinicke to a one-year extension deal worth $6.2 million. The Chargers also signed quarterback Trey Lance to a $6.2 million one-year contract. Also important to note, the Chargers did not select a quarterback during the draft this year. While these two backups will help LA get through the 2025-2026 season, its scouts will certainly be looking for long-term talent and the next generation of quarterbacks to support Herbert.
Wang also has established a relationship with the Chargers as he previously attended a “local day” for the team and met head coach Jim Harbaugh.
“My plan is to go out there, be confident and have a positive attitude in everything I do,” Wang said. “I want to outwork everyone.”
Zeinab Faraj is the assistant sports editor on the 143rd editorial board and a member of the class of 2028 in the College of Arts and Sciences. You can reach her at zfaraj@cornellsun.com.
