Nick Hardwick (American football)

Nicholas Adam Hardwick (born September 2, 1981) is an American football center for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Chargers in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He played college football for Purdue.

High school career
Hardwick did not play football at Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis, Indiana. He did however win a state championship in wrestling. He was enrolled there for four years.

College career
Hardwick joined the Purdue University football team in 2002 as a defensive tackle on the scout team. The next year, he became the team’s starting center and earned all-conference honors. He said that part of the reason he joined the Purdue football team was due to the team's 2001 Rose Bowl appearance. Hardwick's former Charger teammate Drew Brees was the quarterback of that team.

2004 NFL Draft
Hardwick was picked with the 66th overall selection in the 3rd round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Chargers.

San Diego Chargers
Hardwick has made 50 starts since he joined the Chargers in 2004. During the 2006 off-season, he agreed to a five-year $17 million contract extension with the Chargers.

Hardwick was a former high school wrestler at Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis.

In December 2006, Hardwick was named the backup center for the AFC squad in the 2007 Pro Bowl, Jeff Saturday being the starter.