COSTA MESA, Calif. -- Derwin James Jr. is a walking espresso, team-chemistry blend.
The Los Angeles Chargers had just finished a two-hour training camp session, and James, freshly stretched, was conducting an animated FaceTime call -- or at least he was trying. He couldn't help himself, engaging every teammate who walked past while he swayed, swung his hair or smirked.
For the Chargers' standout, everyone is a "bro," from offensive linemen to cornerbacks, and they all got shoulder pats from James' yellow-gloved hand or shoutouts as they crossed his vision during the call. Safeties who blitz, play in the post and cover tight ends in the slot were subject to multitasking.
After ending the call, the gifted defensive back greeted a credentialed bro under a tent, made clear his two-year absence is over, those injury labels buried somewhere in L.A. and his league takeover back on.
"I'm not out here half-stepping; I'm not worried about getting injured, bro," James told ESPN. "I'm out here, full speed. That's the only way I know how to play the game.
"It just feels good to be back playing football."