Key Chargers teammate of Justin Herbert reveals mindset ahead of upcoming NFL season

The Los Angeles Chargers have undoubtedly moved past the stage of being just a promising team — they’ve become a true contender. Led by a now-established Justin Herbert, both he and his teammates are approaching this new NFL challenge with a focused mindset aimed at improving on recent results.

Since entering the league out of USC, Tuli Tuipulotu has quickly become a cornerstone of Jim Harbaugh’s defense. Alongside Khalil Mack, the linebacker duo has consistently been a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.

During a recent media session, the talented pass rusher made it clear that his goal is to elevate his performance starting in Week 1—continuing the upward trajectory he’s shown since entering the NFL in 2023.

“I feel like every year I come into, it has to be a big year,” he said per the team website. “That was my mindset coming into last year and it’s going to be the same mindset coming into this year.”

Tuli Tuipulotu #45 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates after sacking Zach Wilson #2 of the New York Jets during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium on November 06, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

He also added: “To be honest, I’ve been starting since my rookie year, last year and if that’s my role this year, it’s going to feel the same.”

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Tuipulotu’s respect for Khalil Mack runs deep

Since entering the league, Tuipulotu has looked to Khalil Mack as a major influence on the field and a valuable teammate to lean on—not just in football terms, but emotionally as well.

Speaking to the media, the former USC Trojan made it clear that he hopes to, in some way, emulate the work ethic and impact of his teammate—someone who continues to inspire him to become a better player week after week.

“My standard is to play [like] Khalil (Mack). He is the standard,” Tuipulotu said Friday. “I’m doing my best so there’s no drop off like, ‘Khalil is here, let’s slide to him.’

“We got to make it so there’s two elite edge rushers on the side where we could both go and dominate, they don’t know who to slide to or who to double, who to chip. He’s the standard, that’s what I’m chasing.”

Tuli Tuipulotu #45 and Khalil Mack #52 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrate in the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at SoFi Stadium on December 23, 2023 in Inglewood, California.

Tuipulotu’s growing influence inside the locker room

Justin Herbert has undoubtedly become one of the most influential leaders on the Chargers‘ roster—but Tuli Tuipulotu is beginning to generate a similar impact among his teammates, both on and off the field.

“I think he’s got a great personality, he’s got a great vibe to him,” defensive coordinator Jesse Minter said of Tuipulotu. “Guys like being around him, guys like talking to him, guys don’t mind when he speaks every once in a while.

“He’s ascending into that type of role, and ultimately I just want him to be himself. If he’s the best version of himself, we’ll be happy with what we get out of it.”