Chargers Owner Alex Spanos Passes Away

The Los Angeles Chargers announced the death of their owner, Alex Spanos, earlier today. He was 95 years old.

“Alex Spanos is an American success story, driven by a tireless work ethic inspired by humble beginnings as the son of Greek immigrants,” said commissioner Roger Goodell. “Alex became one of the country’s most successful businessmen, but he never forgot his roots and the call to help others. Along with Faye, his beloved wife of nearly 70 years, Alex’s philanthropic and civic contributions touched many lives throughout California and around the country.

“He was a marvelous friend and partner, whose impact on the NFL will never be forgotten. We all benefited from Alex’s compassion, character and zest for football and life. On behalf of the entire NFL family, we extend our deepest condolences to Dean, the entire Spanos family and the Chargers organization.”

Spanos purchased 60-percent of the Chargers for $70MM back in 1984, and he eventually worked his way up to 97-percent ownership of the organization. The team won the 1994 AFC Championship, and they made the playoffs nine times since Spanos took over. The owner turned over day-to-day operations to his son back in 1994, although he still played a major role in the business aspects of the organization. His son, Dean Spanos, is currently the team’s chairman and controlling owner.

It sounds like this will continue to be the case. Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times tweets that Spanos’ death won’t impact the ownership of the organization. The death also won’t effect “what type of stake the family will have in the franchise moving forward.”