Chargers' Jim Harbaugh: Justin Herbert a 'Leader' While Stuck in Hotel Elevator

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh lauded the leadership of quarterback Justin Herbert, who was among "11 or 12" players stuck in an elevator for a few hours at the team hotel in downtown Dallas on Friday.

"'Justin Herbert's a leader. He was a rock. Kept everybody calm,'" Harbaugh said, per the Associated Press. "And everybody kept their poise."

The Chargers were in town for a preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys, which ended in a 26-19 Bolts win on Saturday.

Everyone ultimately escaped after Dallas Fire-Rescue lifted all the players as well as Jeri Fouts, the wife of franchise legend and Chargers TV analyst Dan Fouts, through the ceiling panels and into another elevator.

Harbaugh saw everyone being rescued and took notice of Herbert.

"And it was hot," Harbaugh said. "As each person came off the elevator, sweating and some had the shirt off. Justin Herbert, his hair was a little wet. But his shirt was completely dry. That was another thing that blew me away."

He also spoke about the difficulty of the situation.

"You get in those situations, and it's a test of wills," Harbaugh said. "I was proud of each of the guys and the two women that were on that elevator. That's a win. You feel good about yourself. You were challenged. It was a test of will, and you pull it down, or pull it in."

Harbaugh is in his first year as the Chargers' head coach after nine seasons at Michigan. He ended his career with a 15-0 record and national championship in his final campaign with the Wolverines.

The Harbaugh era officially begins Sept. 8 when the team plays the Las Vegas Raiders.