Roger Goodell Comments on Chargers' Plans for New Stadium

The fact the San Diego Chargers are still in town is a bit of a surprise after their near-departure to Los Angeles in the offseason.

However, not only are they still in San Diego, but a proposal for a new downtown stadium near Petco Park could also be on the November ballot.

On Saturday, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said he believes if that happens, it will be beneficial for the team, per Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com.

"I'm confident that if they can get a stadium built here, the owners will want to support it with a Super Bowl," Goodell said. "I think that's what this community deserves, and we're all going to work to try and find a solution."

Goodell commented during a rally that included 4,000 fans in San Diego, which Chargers chairman Dean Spanos set up, per the team:

It was a nice move by Spanos to show the fans the commissioner is on board, considering they need 66,447 signatures for the measure to be placed in front of the city council, according to Williams.

Goodell reiterated he feels the Chargers need to stay put, per Williams:

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I said that [in March], and I mean it. I think the Chargers belong in San Diego. I think this is a great community, a great fan base. Everyone has acknowledged that we need a new stadium.

The great thing I love about this proposal is it's more than a stadium. You're addressing not only the stadium, but you're addressing needs with the convention facility. And the NFL needs to support this community and the effort. We don't make the decisions. This is for the community to make, but we certainly want to be part of that solution.

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Spanos needs all the good publicity he can get after failing to connect with fans last season while naming multiple cities the team may have moved to, per Williams:

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Spanos made the rounds, shaking hands, signing autographs and taking selfies with fans -- a stark contrast from last season, when he spent most game days in his owner's box avoiding contact from fans angry with the team's decision to pursue a new stadium in partnership with the Oakland Raiders in Carson.

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There is a long way to go until the downtown stadium happens, but it's gaining momentum. With the Rams moving to Los Angeles and Spanos seemingly committing to San Diego, it appears as though the fans will have a team to cheer for in the long run after all.