Joiner, "Charley" (Charles Jr.)
Football
b. Oct. 14, 1947, Many, LA
A defensive back at Grambling State University, the 5-foot-11, 180-pound Joiner was drafted by the AFL's Houston Oilers in 1969. Houston converted him to wide receiver and traded him to the Cincinnati Bengals in 1972 and the Bengals sent him to the San Diego Chargers in 1976
During his first seven professional seasons, Joiner was often used as a third receiver in passing situations because his speed made him a deep threat. In San Diego's offense, though, Joiner demonstrated his all-around skills as a starting receiver.
Sure-handed, precise at running patterns, and a very intelligent reader of defenses, Joiner was also amazingly durable for someone his size, playing in 180 consecutive games during a professional career that lasted 17 seasons.
In 1984, Joiner caught his 650th pass, setting an NFL record that has since been broken. He retired after the 1986 season with 750 receptions for 12,162 yards, an average of 16.2 per catch, and 65 touchdowns. Since retiring, he has been the receivers coach for the Chargers, the Buffalo Bills, and the Kansas City Chiefs.