“This is the truth: Justin Herbert’s biggest weakness is all of those that he’s counting on on offense – coaches, offensive line, playmakers, receivers, running backs – to get up to his level,” Jim Harbaugh told reporters recently. These words cut straight to the heart of Los Angeles’ championship aspirations. The Chargers coach didn’t sugarcoat his quarterback’s situation heading into the new season. Justin Herbert‘s individual talent is never questioned. His arm strength rivals anyone in the league. His decision-making continues to improve under Harbaugh’s guidance. But football remains the ultimate team sport, and Herbert’s supporting cast determines his ceiling more than his own abilities.

The AFC West is always a battlefield, with each team battling tooth and nail to stay in the playoff hunt. In this high-stakes environment, every offensive weapon is essential, but there’s one trait of Justin Herbert’s that stands out and remains particularly endearing: his unwavering love for gaming.

This Monday, Herbert’s passion for video games was on full display as he shared a major gaming hookup from Nintendo on his Instagram stories. The Chargers quarterback couldn’t hide his excitement as he showed off his impressive haul, which included Nintendo’s latest and most coveted offerings. Gaming companies have a sharp eye for star partnerships, and Herbert’s authentic enthusiasm for gaming makes him the perfect ambassador for brands like Nintendo. “Thanks, Nintendo, for the camp care package,” Herbert wrote, accompanying the post with photos of his new gear.

The timing of this gift couldn’t have been more perfect. As NFL players begin to wrap up their offseason training, Nintendo saw an opportunity to connect with one of the league’s brightest young stars during his downtime. Their marketing team delivered the perfect message along with the package: “Wishing you a great rest of the summer now with some added fun.” Inside the package was the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, complete with classic Mario games that take Herbert back to his childhood gaming roots.

For Herbert, the centerpiece gift is more than just a console—it’s a trip down memory lane. For any 90s kid, the inclusion of SNES Classic Mario Paint is a dream. Now available to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, this iconic game from 1992 has received a fresh update, including mouse support. Nintendo’s description highlights the creative possibilities that once captivated players: “You can even create animated sequences and write music to add to your collage. Bring your very own video creations to life by combining animation and music with the art you’ve made!” It’s a nostalgic reminder of the artistic freedom that made the game such a beloved title in its heyday.

Nintendo chose Herbert strategically for this promotion campaign. His gaming credentials run deep, dating back to his rookie season when he participated in major esports events. Back in 2020, Herbert joined the Call of Duty: Warzone tournament sponsored by Chipotle during the Chipotle Challenger Series. That early involvement proved his authentic passion for competitive gaming extends far beyond casual entertainment. Players can utilize USB mice on both console versions or take advantage of the Switch 2 Joy-Con 2’s built-in mouse functionality. The enhanced controls make Mario Paint more accessible than ever before. Herbert’s genuine enthusiasm for gaming culture makes these partnerships feel authentic rather than forced, creating proud moments that resonate with fans who share his interests.

But while Justin Herbert enjoys his offseason gaming sessions with trillion-dollar Nintendo’s latest releases, his career hangs in the balance. The harsh reality hits harder than any boss battle: no amount of virtual fun can protect him from real defensive ends if his offensive line experiment fails.

Justin Herbert’s career protection dilemma

Jim Harbaugh faces a puzzle that could determine Justin Herbert’s future health and success. The Chargers’ interior offensive line remains their biggest weakness, forcing desperate measures during training camp. Last season’s protection failures left Herbert scrambling for survival too often, making this year’s solution critical for franchise stability.

Zion Johnson and Bradley Bozeman represent locked-in starters, but their positions remain fluid. Harbaugh calls it “not really a competition, but a competition to get our best combination.” Johnson has never snapped a ball at center beyond Senior Bowl practice reps, yet he’s rotating between guard and center daily during camp sessions. Johnson embraces the challenge despite entering uncharted territory. “I want to help the team in any way possible, whether that’s left guard and now having experience at center,” he explained about his willingness to switch positions. His first full-padded center practice Saturday revealed both promise and problems, including missed stunts and false start penalties.

The experiment carries massive contract implications for Johnson. The Chargers declined his fifth-year option, making 2025 his prove-it season. “Not having played center before, every rep is valuable,” Johnson admitted while describing his relentless preparation routine. “Getting snaps before practice, getting snaps after, getting snaps in my room.” Bozeman faces his own adjustment returning to guard after five years at center. “From the jump, that’s what we were going to be doing, we were going to be rotating and playing different positions,” Bozeman said confidently. His experience provides stability while mentoring Johnson through the transition.

Both players ranked poorly in pass protection metrics last season, according to Pro Football Focus. Their struggles directly contributed to Herbert’s constant pressure situations that hindered offensive productivity. This positional gamble represents the Chargers’ last chance to fix their interior line without a major roster overhaul. Success could unlock Herbert’s MVP potential, while failure might waste another season of his prime years.