Chargers Cut Tomlinson

[Point Blank]

Tomlinson?s time in San Diego ends

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.”

 

[Point Blank]

We knew this was comming. I just hope he doesn't end in NE

Like I said in the CB, I wouldn't be surprised.

 

[Yawkey Way]

why would LT end up in New England? There is so much animosity between the two, it's got a snowballs chance in hell.

 

[DomePatrol]

why would LT end up in New England? There is so much animosity between the two, it's got a snowballs chance in hell.

Saints won the superbowl. Hell has frozen over now so it may just happen

 

[Goober]

LDT is a bitch, and he sucks now.

 

[killgod]

tomlinson hates new england, but it all depends on what he's after right now.

money? a championship? playing time?

his priorities would determine where he lands.

 

[FirstTimer]

Hey LT,

Come to Chicago.

-Mike Martz

 

[Youk]

why would LT end up in New England? There is so much animosity between the two, it's got a snowballs chance in hell.

Not giving an answer, but I guess adding fuel to the fire.

At this point in his career, why not? If he has a limited number of suitors, where is one of his better chances at a Super Bowl?

 

[Bmore]

I thought he would have taken a pay cut.

 

[OnlyOneBeerLeft]

there are a lot of possibilities for him, as far as going to a contender.... who is a contender? Each year we seem to get some random teams that come out of the woodwork and do well. A change of scenery and if he stays healthy he can still be a difference maker. Possibly Kansas City so they don't run Charles ragged? He could play as a 3rd down back in most systems and can still catch the ball well.

 

[Yawkey Way]

I could actually see LT going to KC, it does make sense and he seems like the kind of guy who would want to "get revenge" on the Chargers. And Domepatrol, enough with the Saints shit please, it's ridiculous.

 

[DomePatrol]

I could actually see LT going to KC, it does make sense and he seems like the kind of guy who would want to "get revenge" on the Chargers. And Domepatrol, enough with the Saints shit please, it's ridiculous.

lol ive never even brought it up since that night. Its a joke.

 

[Yawkey Way]

Fair enough, *rescinds groan*

 

[DomePatrol]

Fair enough, *rescinds groan*

Touche. Now back on topic I dont know if he would go to KC because Im sure he wants to go out on top with a team that gives him the best chance to win a super bowl. I cant think of a good team that needs a RB like LT to go from good to SB contender.

 

[Golden Taters]

I think either him or Reggie Bush will end up in Seattle.

 

[Tengo Juego]

I think either him or Reggie Bush will end up in Seattle.

Me too.

But with Bush, Seattle probably would be better off with the bigger/stronger Spiller if possible.

 

[Woy]

 

[Bear Pand]

Let's be real here, who cares if he goes to the Patriots. What's he gonna do that old man Fred Taylor couldn't?

 

[GoChargers]

I'm pretty sure he would have enough money by now so I can only see him going to a team that has a legit shot at a title.. Maybe Saints?

 

[PEYMAN18]

Touche. Now back on topic I dont know if he would go to KC because Im sure he wants to go out on top with a team that gives him the best chance to win a super bowl. I cant think of a good team that needs a RB like LT to go from good to SB contender.