Nick Hardwick is a former American football center who played for the San Diego Chargers for his entire career. He was born on September 2, 1981, in Indianapolis, Indiana, and attended Purdue University, where he played college football for the Purdue Boilermakers.
Hardwick was drafted by the Chargers in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He quickly became a starter for the team and played in 146 games over his career. He was known for his toughness and durability, playing through injuries and rarely missing games.
Hardwick was a key part of the Chargers' offensive line during his career, helping to protect quarterback Philip Rivers and open up holes for running backs like LaDainian Tomlinson and Ryan Mathews. He was also a leader in the locker room, serving as a team captain for several seasons.
In addition to his success on the field, Hardwick was also recognized for his contributions off the field. He was named the Chargers' Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2010 for his charitable work in the community.
Hardwick retired from the NFL after the 2014 season due to injuries. He has since become a popular media personality, working as a commentator for NFL Network and as a radio host in San Diego. He has also written a book about his experiences in the NFL, titled "Centered: A Football Center's Journey Through the NFL and Beyond."
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