San Diego Chargers 1981 Team Photo

The 1981 San Diego Chargers finished 10–6 and 1st in the AFC West for the third consecutive year. They beat the Dolphins in a playoff game known as the Epic in Miami. The game, won by the Chargers in overtime, 41–38, is one of the most famous in NFL lore because of the conditions on the field, the performances of players on both teams, and the numerous records that were set in the 90º heat.

The following week, the AFC Championship Game in Cincinnati, was won by the Bengals, 27–7. Known as the “Freezer Bowl” it was played in the coldest temperature in NFL history (in terms of wind chill—The coldest in terms of air temperature was the Ice Bowl.) Air temperature was −9 °F (−23 °C), but the wind chill, factoring in a sustained wind of 27 miles per hour (43 km/h), was −37 °F or −38 °C.

During this season, the Chargers lost two key players by way of trade. Before Week 3, wide receiver John Jefferson was dealt to the Green Bay Packers, while defensive end Fred Dean would be dealt to the eventual Super Bowl champion San Francisco 49ers by Week 5. The 1981 team was one of the greatest NFL teams to never win the Super Bowl.

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Related Links:

• The Epic in Miami
• Watch the Freezer Bowl