The Los Angeles Chargers just officially inked wide receiver Liam Clifford on Wednesday, making a new splash in their receiver room right before the regular season kicks off. This isn’t just another name on a depth chart; it’s a guy who’s been grinding hard, and his path to the NFL is full of some seriously intriguing stops. Don’t sleep on these August signings, because sometimes they turn into hidden gems, and Liam Clifford definitely has a story worth watching.
From Undrafted Hopeful to Bolt Up
Clifford’s journey to the Chargers has been a true grind. He entered the league as an undrafted free agent this offseason, which means every practice rep, every camp catch, every play has been a fight for survival. He actually spent part of camp earlier with the Colts, trying to latch on there before landing in Los Angeles. This guy has been on the move, proving his worth wherever he goes. Back in his college days at Penn State, Clifford was a consistent presence for four seasons. He played in a solid 52 career games, getting the starting nod for 15 of those. During his time in State College, he put up a respectable 42 receptions for 530 yards and one touchdown. Those aren’t highlight reel numbers that scream first-round pick, but they show a player who contributed, learned the game, and consistently showed up for his team. That kind of reliability can be invaluable.
The Blocked Punt TD and an NFL Family Tree
Here’s where it gets really interesting for Clifford. Last season in college, he didn’t just catch passes; he made a huge play on special teams. We’re talking about a touchdown scored by returning a blocked punt for a six-yard score during a game at UCLA. Think about that: pure hustle, football IQ, and being in the right place at the right time. Those kinds of plays scream “impact player,” not just a guy who runs routes. Special teams often get overlooked, but they are absolutely crucial, especially for guys fighting for a roster spot. It shows versatility and a willingness to do whatever it takes. Oh, and if the Clifford name sounds familiar, there’s a reason! Liam’s brother, Sean, was a fifth-round draft selection by the Packers in 2023 and is currently playing for the Bengals. Talk about an NFL bloodline! As part of the move, the Chargers had to make some room, waiving wide receiver Luke Grimm with an injury designation, which is always a tough break, but it’s the business of the NFL.
This is a big moment for Liam Clifford. With the regular season right around the corner, every rep in practice and any potential preseason snaps are vital. Will that special teams prowess and his grit be enough to earn him a spot on the Chargers’ active roster when Week 1 rolls around? We’ll be watching to see if this undrafted grinder can make a real impact for the Bolts this year.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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