NFL
Luis Perez returns to LA to join the Chargers
Perez is looking for a new opportunity in the NFL after unsuccessful stints with the Los Angeles Rams, Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles.
The Los Angeles Chargers needed depth at quarterback with Justin Herbert out recovering from a foot injury and the AFC West franchise found the help they were looking for in Luis Perez. Head coach Jim Harbaugh was to face the preseason with Easton Stick, Max Duggan and Casey Bauman at the position before adding the UFL star.
Who is Luis Perez, the new Chargers quarterback?
Born in San Diego on August 26, 1994 to Mexican parents, Perez spent two years with the Southwestern College Moundbuilders and three with the Texas A&M-Commerce Lions before entering the 2018 NFL Draft. He was the starting quarterback for Texas A&M-Commerce in its championship season of 2017. A year earlier, he threw for 3,326 yards and a program-record 32 touchdowns as his Lions reached the NCAA playoffs after winning another Lone Star Conference title. Unfortunately, he was not drafted by any team but did participate in the Rams’ rookie training camp.
The NFL team released him after the season had started and his journey in the Alliance of American Football began with the San Antonio Commanders. His professional career continued with the Birmingham Iron, but when the AAF closed in 2019, he signed a spring contract with the Philadelphia Eagles without seeing action.
Luis Perez shines in the XFL after a stint in the USFL
The XFL was revived by Dwayne Johnson for the 2020 season and Perez was placed with the Los Angeles Wildcats. However, he was traded to the New York Guardians and his first stint in the league was cut short due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The New Jersey Generals of the UFL added him to the roster for the 2022 season and he was responsible for throwing the first touchdown pass in league history.
The Las Vegas Vipers selected Perez in the 2023 XFL Draft, but he only played in one game before being sent to the Arlington Renegades. The quarterback of Mexican descent was responsible for leading the Texas team to the XFL Championship Game and winning the title in 2023. The XFL and USFL merged to become the UFL and Perez led the league in 2024 with 2,309 yards and 18 touchdowns.