LaDainian Tomlinson to retire with San Diego

[Bayz101]

The San Diego Chargers announced Sunday that running back LaDainian Tomlinson will re-sign with the team and then announce his retirement from the NFL during a Monday news conference.


Last month, Tomlinson told Sports Illustrated's Jim Trotter that he was "95 percent" retired, and it only makes sense that the soon-to-be 33-year-old makes it official with the Chargers.

A first-round pick (No. 5 overall) out of TCU by the Chargers in the 2001 NFL Draft, Tomlinson started 141 games over nine seasons for the Chargers, rushing for 12,490 yards with 138 touchdowns and adding 530 receptions for 3,955 yards and 15 touchdowns out of the backfield. A five-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time first-team All-Pro, Tomlinson is the Chargers' all-time leader in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, ranks second in scoring (918 points) and is fifth on their all-time receptions list and 10th in receiving yards.

Tomlinson signed with the New York Jets as a free agent in 2010. In two seasons with the Jets, Tomlinson gained 1,194 yards and scored seven touchdowns on the ground, including a team-high 914 yards in 2010, with 94 receptions for 817 yards and two touchdowns out of the backfield.

Tomlinson twice led the NFL in rushing (2006, 2007) and and was named the league's Most Valuable Player in 2006. With 13,684 rushing yards in his career, Tomlinson currently ranks fifth on the all-time list, behind Hall of Famers Emmitt Smith, Walter Payton, Barry Sanders and Curtis Martin. Tomlinson soon will join those backs in Canton, Ohio, as the clock for his Hall of Fame eligibility now will start its countdown.

[harrison'samonster]

Why would he want to retire as a Charger? He made such a big deal about not being happy playing there at the end. Does he think he will need help getting into the HOF, and that this will put him over the top?

[stb_steeler]

Originally Posted by harrison'samonster

Why would he want to retire as a Charger? He made such a big deal about not being happy playing there at the end. Does he think he will need help getting into the HOF, and that this will put him over the top?

Is he really HOF material?......The bus better get in before he does.

[Bayz101]

Originally Posted by stb_steeler

Is he really HOF material?......The bus better get in before he does.

Oh yeah. He's HOF material. Hell, he's more HOF material than Bettis as far as talent, in my opinion. He's on of the best of all time, just never got that ring.

[stb_steeler]

Originally Posted by Bayz101

Oh yeah. He's HOF material. Hell, he's more HOF material than Bettis as far as talent, in my opinion. He's on of the best of all time, just never got that ring.

Ok he has few more yards than Bettis......

[Bayz101]

Originally Posted by stb_steeler

Ok he has few more yards than Bettis......

HOLY HELL. My bad, I completely forgot where Bettis stood on that list.

[harrison'samonster]

I think he'll make it into the Hall, But I do agree, Bettis should get there first

[SteelersinCA]

You guys are on crack if you think Bettis should get in before LT. He has more yards, way more TD's and he did it in less time and on much worse teams. The comparisons aren't even justified. The only way Bettis gets in before LT is because he's already eligible.

I love Bettis but this isn't even close.

[mikegrimey]

Originally Posted by SteelersinCA

You guys are on crack if you think Bettis should get in before LT. He has more yards, way more TD's and he did it in less time and on much worse teams. The comparisons aren't even justified. The only way Bettis gets in before LT is because he's already eligible.

I love Bettis but this isn't even close.

Without even looking at their stats I'll bet that LT has a higher YPC too, also he was a threat to catch the ball too.

[SteelersinCA]

Originally Posted by mikegrimey

Without even looking at their stats I'll bet that LT has a higher YPC too, also he was a threat to catch the ball too.

And throw as well. The only stats Bettis leads Tomlinson in are attempts and fumbles. Tomlinson has bettis by 3300 yds receiving.