Philip Rivers’ Chargers career ended last week after 16 seasons, when the team announced that it had “mutually agreed” to part with the quarterback, who will become a free agent next month.



These are his stories, from the Chargers teammates and coaches who know him best.



Eric Weddle, safety, 2007-15: It’s crazy to put into words.



Nick Hardwick, center, 2004-14: When it comes to leadership and when it comes to following somebody, and you’ve got a bunch of alpha males in the room and everybody is kind of the top dog, you naturally follow the guy who cares the most. And Philip unquestionably cares the most.



Charlie Whitehurst, backup QB, 2006-09, 2012-13: That guy’s tough as shit, that guy gives a shit, and he wants to win.



Hardwick: He spends more time, he spends more effort, more mental thought, more planning, more preparation. He goes above and beyond anything you could imagine. …He said it...