According to NFL.com, LaDainian Tomlinson will re-sign with the Chargers and then announce his retirement in a press conference on Monday. A little more than a month ago, Tomlinson stated that he was “95 percent” retired. Taken by San Diego with the fifth overall pick in 2001, the back from TCU had memorable career with 13,684 yards (fifth in NFL history), 4772 receiving yards, and 918 all-purpose TDs (second in team history).
Sadly, Tomlinson’s game started to decline over the years. Three years following his MVP season where he had 1800+ yards, an NFL rushing TD record of 28 and an average of 5.2 yards per carry, LT rushed for less than 800 yards and only 12 TDs. He finished his career with the Jets averaging less than 4 yards per carry, and 597 yards in his two years there.
In his prime, Tomlinson was just one those players that you admired despite what team you supported; he made alluding defenders look easy at his best. Tomlinson wasn’t just a phenomenon; he was a revolutionist. He was the first (or at least most notable) three down back who could dominate at all faces of an offense. He could outrun you or pound you, depending on what he felt like doing. He was matchup nightmare for defenses all around the league.
When I first started getting into the game, LT was one of the few players that caught my attention early on. Overtime, he became one of the most respected players I have ever had the pleasure to watch. I mourn not only for never getting another chance to see this guy play, but to the new generation of fans that never got to see him in his prime. Tomlinson was a legend, and I guarantee that we’ll see him in Canton one day. This is Shrederdude 63 signing off.
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Tomlinson should have retired on the day Chargers cut him. should not have played for jets. That is sure a black mark in his career. He is a HOF’er i agree.