Purdue Boilermakers in the NFL: 2014 Season, Week 2
By Mathew Muncy
Jan 12, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; San Diego Chargers center Nick Hardwick (61), guard Chad Rinehart (78) and tackle King Dunlap (77) during the 2013 AFC divisional playoff football game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nick Hardwick, C, San Diego Chargers
Instead of watching Nick Hardwick try to help stop former Boiler Cliff Avril from sacking his quarterback, fans got to watch another center start for the first time since 2009. Hardwick suffered a season-ending neck stinger in their Week 1 loss to the Arizona Cardinals and the injury could be career-ending. Philip Rivers, the starting quarterback of the San Diego Chargers, honored his friend by wearing a number 61 sticker on the back of his helmet, instead of his usual 17.
Hardwick and Rivers were both drafted in 2004 and have started 118 games together since Rivers took over the quarterbacking role in 2006.