Is Ladainian Tomlinson Already Confirmed For The Hall Of Fame?
 

By Pat Kirwan
NFL.com Senior Analyst

The football fans at the water cooler may be having discussions this time of year about who belongs in the Hall of Fame. Yesterday I was asked if LaDainian Tomlinson is already a Hall of Fame player. I had to stop and think for a minute, and I said he probably is when you compare his six-year production to Gale Sayers' production over his seven years.

L.T. has averaged 341 rushing plays and 66 receptions a season during his career. He has rushed for 9,176 yards and has scored 111 touchdowns. Tomlinson averages 18 touchdowns a season.

The great Gale Sayers only touched the ball 159 times a season as a runner and receiver and averaged just 900 total yards a season and seven touchdowns. Granted, his last two years were injury-riddled and he only played four games in those two years, but his 68 game totals were 4,956 rushing yards, 1,307 receiving yards and 48 touchdowns. His game average was 73 yards rushing, 19 yards receiving and 4.2 points per game. Tomlinson's game average is 96.5 yards rushing, 14 yards receiving, 7 points -- plus he's thrown six touchdowns. Yes, L.T. is a Hall of Fame back.


"I would have to disagree a lillte bit with L.T. being cofirmed as a Hall Of Famer, but he's definitely well on his way. But to say he's in the Hall after just six years in the league is not the correct assumption. A lot has to be said about service in the league, longivity, now ask me that question after say eight years and beyond I'd say yes without any doubt, but definitely not six."

IMO, he's on the bubble right now. If he puts up 1-2 more "average" seasons he's a lock for the HOF.

he's in. end of discussion.

I think, like Brown and Sanders, Tomlinson will retire "early". This should not be taken as a sign of weakness or lack of love for the game. It will be a sign of respect for two of the greatest backs to ever have played the game.

Yes, Tomlinson is a Hall of Famer as is. Everything he does from this point forward is gravy.