LaDainian Tomlinson

LaDainian Tomlinson

LaDainian Tramayne Tomlinson (born June 23, 1979) is a former American college and professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL) for eleven seasons. He played college football for Texas Christian University (TCU), earned consensus All-American honors, and was recognized as the best college running back. The San Diego Chargers chose him with the fifth overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft, and he spent nine seasons with the Chargers before moving to the New York Jets as a free agent. He played with the Jets for two seasons before retiring after the 2011 season. He currently serves as an analyst on NFL Network.

Tomlinson, often referred to by his initials, L. T., was selected to five Pro Bowls and was an All-Pro six times. Tomlinson won two rushing titles, in 2006 and 2007. At the time of his retirement, he ranked fifth in career rushing yards (13,684), seventh in all-purpose yards (18,456), second in career rushing touchdowns (145), and third in total touchdowns (162). An effective passer on halfback option plays, Tomlinson threw seven touchdown passes and ranks second behind Walter Payton (8) for non-quarterbacks. During the 2006 NFL season, he set several records and received numerous honors and awards including the NFL's Most Valuable Player Award and the Associated Press' Offensive Player of the Year Award. He is widely considered to have been the best running back of the decade 2000-10, and possibly one of the best backs in NFL history.