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QBREES9 02-22-2010 03:34 PM

Tomlinson’s time in San Diego ends
 
Tomlinson’s time in San Diego ends
Casey Pearce

Running back LaDainian Tomlinson, the Chargers all-time leading rusher, was released today after nine remarkable seasons in San Diego.
Chargers President Dean Spanos met with Tomlinson today and informed his veteran running back that he is being released.

“This is a part of the business that I hate, and it’s particularly hard when you’re dealing with someone I consider a friend,” Spanos said. “Change involving great players is never easy. I respect LT as much or more than any player I’ve ever known. And no one appreciates his contributions to this organization more than I do. That is why this is such a difficult announcement for me to make.

“It has been a privilege to work with him and witness his entire career. I’m proud of him and grateful to him for the way he has carried himself both on and off the field.

“No matter where he chooses to continue his career, in my mind LT will always be a San Diego Charger. His legacy as one of the greatest running backs the game has ever seen will be as a Charger.”

Tomlinson owns or shares 28 team records, including career rushing yards, yards from scrimmage and touchdowns. During his nine seasons in San Diego, Tomlinson won two rushing titles (2006 and ’07), set an NFL single-season record for touchdowns in a season (31 in ’06) and racked up 12,490 rushing yards, the eighth-highest total in NFL history. He was the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 2006 and earned Pro Bowl honors five times.

“I was fortunate to be the offensive coordinator here during LT’s rookie year in 2001 and it didn’t take long to realize that we were dealing with a special player and a special individual,” Chargers Head Coach Norv Turner said. “And when I returned to the Chargers in 2007, I was proud to be a part of his second NFL rushing title.

“LT is a true pro. He’s one of the greatest runners this game has ever seen and words can’t do justice to the things he’s accomplished on and off the field.”

In addition to his long list of achievements on the gridiron, Tomlinson’s tireless efforts in the community have benefitted thousands of individuals in San Diego as well as his native Texas. In 2006, LT received the NFL Man of the Year Award in recognition of his numerous philanthropic efforts.

“It’s fitting that LT’s and LaTorsha’s charity is called the ‘Touching Lives Foundation’ because that’s exactly what they’ve done,” Spanos said. “So many people have been positively affected by their generosity. Our community has been fortunate to have them.”

Tomlinson joined the Chargers in 2001 as the fifth overall selection in the NFL Draft. The Chargers originally held the top pick in the draft, but swung a trade with the Atlanta Falcons, who moved up to take quarterback Michael Vick. The Chargers nervously waited as Tomlinson fell to the fifth spot where they enthusiastically brought him into their fold.

“There were a lot of eyebrows raised when we made that trade, but LT proved to be everything we thought he’d be and more,” Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith said. “He’s a future Hall of Famer. My only regret is that he leaves San Diego without a Super Bowl ring.”

Tomlinson was one of 53 men recognized as the Greatest All-Time Chargers during the team’s 50th anniversary celebration last season and he was recently named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 2000s. His 138 career rushing touchdowns are the second most in NFL history and his 153 total touchdowns ranks third in league annals.

“I look forward to the time when we’ll see his number retired and see him inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” Spanos said. “I can’t say enough about how much I’ve enjoyed being around LT and LaTorsha the last nine years.”

Danny Cox 02-22-2010 03:44 PM

Re: Tomlinson’s time in San Diego ends
 
Chargers cut loose LdT!

Place your bets as to where he'll land??

Also place bets as to whether he can be productive or be Edgerrin James/Shaun Alexander Part 2?

Danny Cox 02-22-2010 03:56 PM

Re: Tomlinson’s time in San Diego ends
 
Surprisingly, the NFL Network even just said that if the Saints were to lose Mike bell then it's possible he could land with the team. Interesting.

QBREES9 02-22-2010 04:04 PM

Re: Tomlinson’s time in San Diego ends
 
Make him an offer ??

Danny Cox 02-22-2010 04:11 PM

Re: Tomlinson’s time in San Diego ends
 
He said he didn't want to accept the pay cut in San Diego...but he HAS to know that he won't get starter money anywhere. I wouldn't be opposed to switching out Bell for LdT.

If he would take like a one or two year deal at $1.5 a year then HEY-OOOO!

neugey 02-22-2010 05:06 PM

Re: Tomlinson’s time in San Diego ends
 
We can't sign free agents at this point - but if we lose someone in F.A. he is definitely worth a look just on character and work ethic alone. Unlike Shaun Alexander I think he has a second wind in him.

savoyk 02-22-2010 05:18 PM

Re: Tomlinson’s time in San Diego ends
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Danny Cox (Post 209727)
Surprisingly, the NFL Network even just said that if the Saints were to lose Mike bell then it's possible he could land with the team. Interesting.


Very interesting! :goodidea:

breesfan27 02-22-2010 05:36 PM

Re: Tomlinson’s time in San Diego ends
 
My personal opinion:

I'm not really interested in obtaining Tomlinson. He's not as consistant as he was a few years ago. His age is a factor. I just don't think he's worth the $$ he wants. I hope that if we do get rid of Bell, we either pick up a rookie RB or someone who's a little more bang for our buck.

Danny Cox 02-22-2010 07:12 PM

Re: Tomlinson’s time in San Diego ends
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by neugey (Post 209757)
We can't sign free agents at this point - but if we lose someone in F.A. he is definitely worth a look just on character and work ethic alone. Unlike Shaun Alexander I think he has a second wind in him.

He's not a free agent since he was cut. Once he clears waivers, anyone can sign him...even us. We don't have to lose someone for that.

neugey 02-22-2010 07:37 PM

Re: Tomlinson’s time in San Diego ends
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Danny Cox (Post 209784)
He's not a free agent since he was cut. Once he clears waivers, anyone can sign him...even us. We don't have to lose someone for that.

Cool, wasn't aware of that detail. Could help us with Tomlinson or someone else who gets cut by another team.

lynwood 02-22-2010 07:41 PM

Re: Tomlinson’s time in San Diego ends
 
Nope. Unless he wants to be a backup. We are heavy on RB right now with no weak points.

CantonLegend 02-22-2010 08:08 PM

Re: Tomlinson’s time in San Diego ends
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Danny Cox (Post 209784)
He's not a free agent since he was cut. Once he clears waivers, anyone can sign him...even us. We don't have to lose someone for that.

after you clear waivers you become a free agent.....thats why anyone can sign him....because he'd be a free agent


fwiw i think LT is talented, but i dont like players that say they dont wanna play somewhere....LT was pretty vocal about how he felt about san diego this season

but like ive said every offseason, running backs are interchangeable when you have a talented offensive line......we have pierre thomas and reggie bush and we dont need another back......we could keep lynell hamilton and maybe bring up PJ Hill but we dont really need to sign another starter because we have that already

Saintswrath 02-23-2010 01:45 AM

Re: Tomlinson’s time in San Diego ends
 
Brees wants LT, I think the King of New Orleans will get whatever he wants from here on out.. So here's an early welcome to the Black and gold LT.. I just hope we don't pay him a ton :-( I like em but not enough to pay him what SD was suppose to pay him..

Saint_LB 02-23-2010 01:56 AM

Re: Tomlinson’s time in San Diego ends
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Saintswrath (Post 209819)
Brees wants LT, I think the King of New Orleans will get whatever he wants from here on out.. So here's an early welcome to the Black and gold LT.. I just hope we don't pay him a ton :-( I like em but not enough to pay him what SD was suppose to pay him..

If this is true...I don't understand it. We just won the SB with the people we have. Just playing devil's advocate here, but isn't it possible that guys like PT and Bush just might take exception to them giving LdT a huge contract?

Taking it a step further, might they resent Drew beating the drum for someone who didn't go to battle with him last year rather than for someone who did? But then again...I don't know if those guys (RB and PT) will still be around...so, I guess we all just sit and wait and see what unravels.

Tobias-Reiper 02-23-2010 06:15 AM

Re: Tomlinson’s time in San Diego ends
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Danny Cox (Post 209784)
He's not a free agent since he was cut. Once he clears waivers, anyone can sign him...even us. We don't have to lose someone for that.

Technically, the Saints would have to get him off waivers to be able to sign him, but since the Saints have the 32nd spot on the waiver order, he'd have to pretty much clear waivers before the Saints get to sign him.

That said, I don't think LT fits here. If he wasn't happy sharing the backfield with Sproles, he's not going to be happy sharing the backfield here with PT, Bush, Bell, Evans.

saintsfan1976 02-23-2010 06:42 AM

Re: Tomlinson’s time in San Diego ends
 
If RB's are interchangeable behind an excellent O line, then what's wrong with bringing in a guy like LT to replace Mike Bell?

LT has been very vocal of the fact that he just wants to win a ring. Doesn't sound like it's about money or playing time or records.

Think of LT being to our backfield what Sharper is to our secondary and Brees is to our WR's and OL.

I'm not ready to say go after him, but I'm intrigued.

saintsfan1976 02-23-2010 07:50 AM

Re: Tomlinson’s time in San Diego ends
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by lynwood (Post 209789)
Nope. Unless he wants to be a backup. We are heavy on RB right now with no weak points.

Disagree. If one of our RB's goes out - we don't run the ball effectively.

Reggie hasn't played a full season yet, PT missed games and will inevitably miss games in the future. It's not a durability question, just nature of the position.

Are you that confident in Bell, Hamilton and a practice squad runner?

Pay LT < $2mill and you can lose Bell and gain a very talented situational RB that Sean Payton could utilize well.

Rugby Saint II 02-23-2010 10:18 AM

Re: Tomlinson’s time in San Diego ends
 
I have mixed feelings on whether to bring LT here. Everyone seems to have different opinions on whether we should sign him. I just haven't heard a convincing argument for either side..........so I'm just waiting to make my decision. I just hope that Loomis has already made up his mind.:)

exile 02-23-2010 10:22 AM

Re: Tomlinson’s time in San Diego ends
 
Forget about it:

Quote:

Originally Posted by kffl.com
Jim Trotter, of SI.com, reports unrestricted free-agent RB LaDainian Tomlinson (Chargers) said he likely will not sign with New Orleans Saints because the Saints backfield looks pretty set.


mikesaintfan 02-23-2010 10:49 AM

Re: Tomlinson’s time in San Diego ends
 
if SI says it, it must be so...right?...I think if he wants a ring, and plays for small money he could replace Bell...and LT is a much better reciever than Bell

exile 02-23-2010 10:58 AM

Re: Tomlinson’s time in San Diego ends
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by mikesaintfan (Post 209864)
if SI says it, it must be so...right?...

I think that it was a quote to SI from Tomlinson himself. It could still happen but I doubt it. Edge James, Shaun Alexander, Deuce McAllister, etc. RB is a young man's game.

CantonLegend 02-23-2010 01:01 PM

Re: Tomlinson’s time in San Diego ends
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by saintsfan1976 (Post 209827)
If RB's are interchangeable behind an excellent O line, then what's wrong with bringing in a guy like LT to replace Mike Bell?

LT has been very vocal of the fact that he just wants to win a ring. Doesn't sound like it's about money or playing time or records.

Think of LT being to our backfield what Sharper is to our secondary and Brees is to our WR's and OL.

I'm not ready to say go after him, but I'm intrigued.

i have no problem bringing in a guy like LT who would be a leader on and off the field

the problem is paying him starter money which would put our team in a hole as far as going after other guys.

i understand we cant really go after free agents this year but there are rules that allow us to target certain free agents should we lose key players on our roster. I think time would be better spent if we were looking for other positions to fill obvious voids in our team

LT doesnt present or offer something that we really dont already have

neugey 02-23-2010 01:23 PM

Re: Tomlinson’s time in San Diego ends
 
But wait .... there's more!!!

Philadelphia Eagles release Brian Westbrook - ESPN

st thomas 02-23-2010 01:56 PM

Re: Tomlinson’s time in San Diego ends
 
do we really want him though? if we lose bell, there's going to be some fresher legs out there that won't require 3 to 3.5 mil a year. hamilton is coming into his own. there will be countless free agent ( cheap) rookies that can back up hamilton. i'm just saying our eyes can't be bigger than our wallets.

BOLTS4LIFE 02-23-2010 03:35 PM

Re: Tomlinson’s time in San Diego ends
 
Two class acts getting their first taste of success - 2004!!!

http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u19/TDamien/LT2.jpg

CantonLegend 02-23-2010 10:01 PM

Re: Tomlinson’s time in San Diego ends
 
several people are not considering LT for the hall of fame because of his inability to do well in the playoffs

many people dont consider 6 good years to be enough for the hall of fame

i like LT and i wouldnt be surprised at all to see him next door one day....but i cant help but agree with the people that look at his career and say that he was good for a portion of it but not consistant enough to be in there


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