LaDainian Tomlinson

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Lore & Background

A native of Rosebud, Texas, Tomlinson showed athletic promise while attending University High School. He was recruited by Texas Christian University (TCU). As a junior, Tomlinson rushed for 406 yards in a single game, a Division I record at the time. As a senior, he earned unanimous All-American honors, and won the Doak Walker Award as the best college running back. TCU retired his No. 5 in 2005, and he was inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2014. The Chargers selected Tomlinson No. 5 overall after passing on the opportunity to select highly rated quarterback Michael Vick. A starter in his rookie season, Tomlinson opened his career with the first of seven consecutive seasons with over 1,200 rushing yards, a streak achieved previously only by Eric Dickerson and Barry Sanders, with similar streaks from legends like Jim Brown and Walter Payton. He became a prolific scorer under Marty Schottenheimer, who coached the Chargers from 2002 to 2006. Tomlinson's output reached a peak in 2006, when he set numerous single-season records, including for most touchdowns scored (31). These feats won him the NFL MVP award, but San Diego suffered an upset defeat in their playoff opener, and Schottenheimer was fired shortly afterwards. Tomlinson became less central to the Charger offense in the following three seasons, and missed time through injury in key games. He was released following the 2009 season, played two seasons with the Jets, and retired. Tomlinson was named to five Pro Bowls (2002, 2004–2007), was a first-team All-Pro three times (2004, 2006, 2007), and won consecutive rushing titles in 2006 and 2007. At the time of his retirement, he ranked fifth in career rushing yards (13,684), fifth in yards from scrimmage (18,456), second in career rushing touchdowns (145), and third in total touchdowns (162). Tomlinson also threw seven touchdown passes which ranks second behind Walter Payton (eight) for non-quarterbacks in the Super Bowl era. Tomlinson had his No. 21 retired by the Chargers in 2015 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017, his first year of eligibility.

In Their Own Story

Under coach Marty Schottenheimer from 2002 to 2006, Tomlinson became a prolific scorer. His output peaked in 2006 when he set numerous single-season records, including most touchdowns scored with 31. These feats secured him the NFL MVP award. Despite this individual brilliance, San Diego suffered an upset defeat in their playoff opener that season, and Schottenheimer was fired shortly afterward. In the following three seasons, Tomlinson became less central to the offense and missed key games due to injury. He was released after the 2009 season, played two more years with the New York Jets, and then retired.

Reader's Guide

Tomlinson is often known by his initials, L.T.. He works as an analyst on the NFL Network, and also serves as a special assistant to the Chargers' principal owner, Dean Spanos.

Did You Know?

• Tomlinson set an NCAA Division I record with 406 rushing yards in a single game as a junior.
• He scored 31 touchdowns in the 2006 season, an NFL single-season record at the time.
• Tomlinson threw seven touchdown passes in his career, second among non-quarterbacks in the Super Bowl era behind Walter Payton.
• He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017, his first year of eligibility.