QBREES9

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.”

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Danny Cox

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

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

Make him an offer ??

Danny Cox

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

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

Very interesting!

breesfan27

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

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

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