Chargers Land Hidden Gem WR Liam Clifford in UDFA Steal
LA Chargers Sign New Wide Receiver Liam Clifford: What You Need to Know
What Happened Today?
The Los Angeles Chargers made a roster move on the football field today. Think of it like swapping players on a playground team:
- New player joins: The team signed wide receiver Liam Clifford
- Player leaves: In a matching move, they waived/injured wide receiver Luke Grimm
IMPORTANT POINT
"Waived/injured" means the team is letting Grimm go because he’s hurt. Other teams can claim him, but if he clears waivers, he goes on the Chargers’ injured reserve list.
Who Is Liam Clifford?
Imagine a player who worked his way up without being picked in the big NFL Draft lottery. That’s Liam Clifford!
- Position: Wide Receiver (catches passes from the quarterback)
- How he entered NFL: Undrafted Free Agent — teams didn’t select him in the draft, but he earned a tryout
- Previous stop: Spent part of training camp with the Indianapolis Colts
- New jersey number: No. 39 for the Bolts
His College Career at Penn State
Clifford played four seasons for the Penn State Nittany Lions (2022–2025). Here’s his report card:
| Stat | Number | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 52 | Showed up for almost every game |
| Starts | 15 | Earned a starting spot 15 times |
| Catches | 42 | Grabbed 42 passes thrown his way |
| Yards | 530 | Gained 530 total yards after catching |
| Average per Catch | 12.6 yards | Each catch moved the team forward ~12 yards |
| Touchdowns | 1 | Scored once on offense |
Special Teams Superstar
Here’s where Clifford really shines — special teams (the kicking/returning units). Last season, he did something spectacular:
- Blocked punt return touchdown vs. UCLA
- Scooped up a blocked punt and ran 6 yards into the end zone
- This shows he’s fast, aware, and makes big plays when it counts
IMPORTANT POINT
Special teams players are like the "utility players" — they do the dirty work on kickoffs, punts, and returns. Coaches LOVE guys who excel here because it helps field position.
Football Runs in the Family
The Clifford name is getting famous in the NFL:
- Sean Clifford (Liam’s older brother)
- Drafted in 2023, 5th round by the Green Bay Packers
- Currently plays for the Cincinnati Bengals
- Now Liam joins the Los Angeles Chargers
- Two brothers, both in the NFL — pretty cool family reunion at Thanksgiving!
What This Means for the Chargers
Let’s break it down like a simple checklist:
- Depth at receiver — More healthy bodies to catch passes
- Special teams boost — Clifford’s blocked punt TD proves he’s a playmaker
- Competition — He’ll fight for a roster spot in training camp
- Low risk, high reward — Undrafted guys cost less but can become stars
Summary
The Los Angeles Chargers added wide receiver Liam Clifford and released injured receiver Luke Grimm. Clifford comes from Penn State where he played 52 games, caught 42 passes for 530 yards, and scored a memorable blocked punt return touchdown. He’s the younger brother of NFL quarterback Sean Clifford and will wear No. 39. As an undrafted free agent, he’s fighting for a roster spot — but his special teams talent gives him a real shot.
FAQ
Q: What does "undrafted free agent" mean?
A: It means no team picked him during the NFL Draft, but he was free to sign with any team afterward. Think of it like not getting picked for a team at recess, but then the coach lets you try out anyway.
Q: Why did they waive Luke Grimm?
A: He’s injured. "Waived/injured" is the official way to remove an injured player from the active roster while following league rules.
Q: Will Clifford play right away?
A: He’ll compete in training camp. Undrafted rookies usually need to prove themselves on special teams first before earning offensive snaps.
Q: What number is he wearing and why does it matter?
A: No. 39. Wide receivers traditionally wear numbers in the 10s or 80s, but new NFL rules allow more flexibility. Number 39 suggests he may see lots of special teams action.
Q: How good was that blocked punt touchdown?
A: Very good! Blocked punt returns for touchdowns are rare and game-changing. It shows Clifford has great instincts, speed, and nose for the end zone — exactly what coaches want on special teams.