Los Angeles Chargers and Easterseals SoCal Introduce Blitz

In partnership with Easterseals Southern California (ESSC), the Los Angeles Chargers recently welcomed their newest Chargers Pup at The Bolt revealing the rescue dog’s name: Blitz.

During the welcome paw-ty, Chargers players—outside linebacker Akheem Mesidor, wide receiver Tre' Harris and safety Genesis Smith—introduced their new four-legged teammate. Fans voted on the pup’s official name via the team’s social channels. 

Blitz is a rescue from Paws for Life K9 Rescue, a unique non-profit that saves dogs from local shelters and provides training by people who are incarcerated in California state prisons. He is the sixth dog the Chargers will follow on his journey to becoming a certified service animal.

“This is our second season being part of the Charger’s Pup program and we are excited to continue our partnership,” said Brynne Jones, Vice President, Partnerships, ESSC. “This year is even more meaningful because the service dog will ultimately be placed with one of our Easterseals participants in Autism Services.”

“The continued work the Chargers are doing in the community remains incredibly important and we’re thrilled to welcome Blitz as we build on the work of years past,” said Corey Norkin, Chief Partnerships Officer, LA Chargers. “Blitz is much more than a teammate, he represents the power of teamwork beyond the field.

“We’re excited to once again partner with Easterseals Southern California and Paws for Life K9 Rescue to raise awareness about the life-changing impact of service dogs.  It’s important to our organization to support a mission that will bring greater confidence, independence and support to a child with autism and we believe this partnership will help to do just that. We are grateful for Easterseals and all the amazing work they’re doing to support individuals with autism and thrilled to join forces to do more work together."

The Chargers’ Newest Teammate

Throughout the 2026 season, the Chargers Pup will join the team at practices, games and community events while continuing his formal service training with Paws for Life K9 Rescue in their prison program with the goal of becoming a service animal to be gifted to a child with autism.  

Recently, Blitz even walked the red carpet, with cameras rolling and lights flashing, at the inaugural Easterseals Disability Arts & Culture Awards (The DARCYS) taking in all the excitement and becoming accustomed to everyday hustle and bustle.

Four Paws: One Powerful Mission

“A service dog is more than a pet,” said Jones. “For many children with autism, it's an access tool that provides safety, support and confidence. Our multimedia campaign, Every1 with Autism Belongs, is all about helping those around you feel that sense of belonging. This partnership with the Chargers Pup and Paws for Life brings this message into action in such a tangible way.

“At Easterseals,” she continued, “we see how life-changing the right support can be. Service animals provide more than companionship. They help foster independence, confidence, connection and opportunity. The Charger pup program embodies this sense of belonging that is paramount at Easterseals, which has made this partnership so organic from the start.”  

A Lasting Commitment

Since 2020, the Chargers Pup program has followed a service dog each year to raise awareness about the life-changing impact these animals have on people with disabilities. Past Chargers Pups include Zeus, Storm, River, Brisket and Bolt. 

Follow Blitz’s Journey! 

Stay tuned for exciting updates on Blitz’s progress.