J.K. Dobbins, former Ravens running back, now helping guide Chargers resurgence

J.K. Dobbins has endured some difficult times in his life.

His father passed away when he was a teenager. On the football field, his NFL career has been plagued by injuries. As a member of the Baltimore Ravens, Dobbins suffered a season-ending knee injury in the 2021 preseason and was limited to just eight games in 2022 due to knee issues. Then the injury bug struck his Achilles in the 2023 opener.

Dobbins’ injury history led him to a one-year prove-it deal with the Chargers in April.

Thus far, Dobbins’ is demonstrating that he’s one of the better running backs in the NFL. He’s not only a focal point in the Chargers’ offense, his 726 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns both rank in the top 10 in the league.

“I only thank Jesus. Much prayer and hard work. That's why I'm standing here today. You know what I'm saying? Because without Jesus, I would not be standing here because it's some dark times. You know what I'm saying? Not just even the injuries. Just my father passed when I was a young kid. You know what I'm saying? Just all the stuff that I've been through. I only thank Jesus, for me standing here today and doing the things that he's put me here to do,” Dobbins said.

“It's really great to be here. But I just want people to know that you pray to Jesus and you keep faith, you can get through anything. I'm a testament to that. I just want to touch others to let them know, not just sports, but anything in life. Keep hope. Keep going because the storm don't last forever.”

Dobbins’ positive outlook on life is infectious in the locker room.

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“He’s one of the best running backs in this league,” Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston said. “Outside of the field, he’s just a good guy to be around. He brings positive energy day in and day out, each and every day, which I feel like we need as a team. I feel like everybody around the facility feeds off that, coaches included.”

Dobbins scored the game-winning touchdown in last week’s Sunday night thriller verses the Cincinnati Bengals. His performance through 10 games has earned him NFL Comeback Player of the Year consideration during his first year with the Chargers.

“To watch him come back even stronger, quicker, faster than before the injury, what a testament to his will,” Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said earlier this year. “It’s just incredible. Just a testament to his physical athleticism, plus the grueling rehab he went through, plus the mindset that it takes to be able to do that. A lesser man wouldn’t, put it that way. A lesser man would have not been able to do what J.K. (Dobbins) has been able to do.”

Harbaugh is going to have a family reunion of sorts on Monday night when his Chargers host his older brother, John, and the Ravens. But it’s also a reunion for Dobbins and a handful of his teammates. Dobbins, who was drafted by the Ravens in 2020 and had a four-year stint in Baltimore, is one of six Chargers players who previously played in for the Ravens.

Now in Los Angeles, Dobbins has played a key role in the Chargers’ resurgence.

“The culture here is relentless. That's our culture. We're relentless (and) we're tough,” Dobbins said. “We got a great brotherhood. It's something special going on. And that's all thanks to coach Jim Harbaugh and (general manager) Joe Hortiz.”

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How J.K. Dobbins is guiding Chargers resurgence