Ron Jenkins/Getty Images
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh praised the leadership of quarterback Justin Herbert, who was among “eleven or twelve” players stuck in an elevator for several hours at the team hotel in downtown Dallas on Friday.
“‘Justin Herbert is a leader. He was a rock. He calmed everyone down,'” Harbaugh said, according to the Associated Press. “And everyone kept their composure.”
The Chargers were in town for a preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys, which ended with a 26-19 victory for the Bolts on Saturday.
Eventually, everyone was able to escape after the Dallas Fire Department lifted all the players, as well as Jeri Fouts, the wife of franchise legend and Chargers TV commentator Dan Fouts, through the ceiling panels into another elevator.
Harbaugh saw everyone being rescued and became aware of Herbert.
“And it was hot,” Harbaugh said. “When everyone got out of the elevator, everyone was sweating and some had their shirts off. Justin Herbert’s hair was a little wet. But his shirt was completely dry. That was another thing that blew me away.”
He also spoke about the difficulty of the situation.
“You get into situations like that and it’s a test of will,” Harbaugh said. “I was proud of each of the men and the two women who were in that elevator. It’s a win. It makes you feel good. You were challenged. It was a test of will and you either make it down or you make it in.”
Harbaugh is in his first year as head coach of the Chargers after nine seasons at Michigan. He finished his career with a 15-0 record and the national championship in his final season with the Wolverines.
The Harbaugh era officially begins on September 8th when the team plays against the Las Vegas Raiders.
