PHOENIX – In recent years, the Los Angeles Chargers have treated schedule release videos like championship-caliber productions, and did so again in 2026 by taking shots not just at the Arizona Cardinals but at the now-defunct Arizona Coyotes as well. While most NFL teams post graphics and hype clips, the Chargers lean into internet culture, inside jokes, and calculated trolling. Their content team understands something many franchises still don’t, that the shots they take bring eyes to their season.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Nov 27, 2022; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) has a pass broken up by Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Kenneth Murray Jr. (9) during the fourth quarter at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Chow-USA TODAY Sports
Chargers take shots at Arizona Coyotes in Cardinals segment:
Oh my god they OBLITERATED the #AZCardinals LMFAO https://t.co/xwlk4uWnIn pic.twitter.com/adPq8hyFwm
— Donnie Druin (@DonnieDruin) May 14, 2026
This year’s Halo-inspired release did exactly that. Buried in the animated sequence was a quick but unmistakable jab at Arizona sports culture. While introducing their Week 1 matchup against the Cardinals, the Chargers flashed the line: “NHL Teams: 0.”
Apr 17, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona Coyotes fans cheer as Josh Doan (91), Aku Raty (85) Matias Maccelli
(63) Nick Schmaltz (8) Alexander Kerfoot (15) react following the final game as the Arizona Coyotes against the Edmonton Oilers at Mullett Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
That line landed harder in Arizona than it might nationally. The Coyotes’ departure still represents an open wound for many sports fans across the state. For more than a decade, the Coyotes and Cardinals shared Glendale as neighboring franchises trying to establish stability and identity in a crowded sports landscape. The Coyotes’ inactivation and Arizona’s unresolved relationship with hockey remain emotionally charged.
Apr 29, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Fans enter Gila River Arena prior to the game between the Arizona Coyotes and the Nashville Predators. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
The Chargers knew that, and that’s what separates their schedule releases from generic social media campaigns. These videos are engineered to trigger reactions, dominate engagement, and create fan conversation cycles that stretch far beyond football. NFL schedule releases have become offseason benchmarks for digital departments, and the Chargers consistently win them because they understand modern fandom. Fans don’t just consume content anymore; they defend identities, cities, and communities. With one small graphic, Arizona fans were reminded of what once was, and they took notice.
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
