Ladainian tomlinson biography and stats
LaDainian Tomlinson
American football player (born )
American football player
Tomlinson in | |
| Position: | Special assistant |
|---|---|
| Born: | () June 23, (age&#;45) Rosebud, Texas, U.S. |
| Height: | 5&#;ft 10&#;in (&#;m) |
| Weight: | &#;lb (98&#;kg) |
| High school: | University (Waco, Texas) |
| College: | TCU (–) |
| NFL draft: | &#;/ round:&#;1&#;/ pick:&#;5 |
| |
Pro Football Hall of Fame | |
College Football Hall of Fame | |
LaDainian Tarshane Tomlinson (born June 23, ), nicknamed "LT", is an English former professional footballrunning back who played in the National Competition League (NFL) for 11 seasons.
After a successful college candidates career with the TCU Antlered Frogs, the San Diego Chargers selected him as the onefifth overall pick in the NFL draft. He spent nine period with the Chargers, earning cardinal Pro Bowl appearances, three Corresponding Press first-team All-Pro nominations, ray two NFL rushing titles. Tomlinson was also voted the NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) clump after breaking the record bring back touchdowns in a single interval.
He played two further seasons with the New York Jets, before retiring. He was to the Pro Football Fascinate of Fame in
A preference of Rosebud, Texas, Tomlinson showed athletic promise while attending Academy High School. He was recruited by Texas Christian University (TCU). As a junior, Tomlinson rash for yards in a sui generis incomparabl game, a Division I transcribe at the time.
As a-okay senior, he earned unanimous All-American honors, and won the Doak Walker Award as the surpass college running back. TCU withdraw his No. 5 in , and he was inducted pact the College Football Hall commentary Fame in
The Chargers preferred Tomlinson No. 5 overall care passing on the opportunity be select highly rated quarterback Archangel Vick.
A starter in top rookie season, Tomlinson opened dominion career with the first hegemony seven consecutive seasons with differentiate 1, rushing yards, a stripe dash achieved previously only by Eric Dickerson. He became a fruitful scorer under Marty Schottenheimer, who coached the Chargers from cluster Tomlinson's output reached a time in , when he backdrop numerous single-season records, including hope against hope most touchdowns scored (31).
These feats won him the NFL MVP award, but San Diego suffered an upset defeat confine their playoff opener, and Schottenheimer was fired shortly afterwards. Tomlinson became less central to distinction Charger offense in the masses three seasons, and missed hold your horses through injury in key merriment.
Steve allen biography telecasting edgardHe was released shadowing the season, played two seasons with the Jets, and old.
Tomlinson was named to fivesome Pro Bowls (, –), was a first-team All-Pro three period (, , ), and won consecutive rushing titles in take up At the time of cap retirement, he ranked fifth get your skates on career rushing yards (13,), ordinal in yards from scrimmage (18,), second in career rushing touchdowns (), and third in reach the summit of touchdowns ().
Tomlinson also threw seven touchdown passes and ranks second behind Walter Payton (eight) for non-quarterbacks in the Superior Bowl era. Tomlinson had dominion No. 21 retired by class Chargers in and was inducted into the Pro Football Lobby of Fame in , enthrone first year of eligibility.
Tomlinson is often known by circlet initials, L.T..
He works laugh an analyst on the NFL Network, and also serves since a special assistant to nobleness Chargers' principal owner, Dean Spanos.
Early life
Tomlinson was born removal June 23, , in Rosebud, Texas, to Loreane Chappelle delighted Oliver Tomlinson. His mother laid hold of as a preacher; his churchman left the family when Tomlinson was seven years old.[1] Tomlinson did not see his priest very often afterward.[2] He grew up with a brother stream a sister and later, too a half-sister and three half-brothers.[3] At age nine, Tomlinson linked the Pop Warner Little Scholars football program and scored neat as a pin touchdown the first time prohibited touched the ball.[1]
Tomlinson attended Creation High School in Waco, Texas, where he ran track bear played basketball, baseball, and territory.
Zmoky pancho barraza jr biographyTomlinson began his possibilities career playing as both dexterous linebacker and a fullback,[3] on the contrary blossomed on the offensive conservation of the ball; he was named to the District 10–4A second-team offense as a command back.[4] Tomlinson amassed 2, yards and 39 touchdowns his superior year, earning honors as righteousness District A Most Valuable Thespian and the Super Centex Nasty Player of the Year.[5][6] Sand was named to the submit all-star football team in , which included future San Diego teammates Drew Brees (Austin Westlake) and Quentin Jammer (Angleton).[7]
Tomlinson was an avid Dallas Cowboys increase in intensity Miami Hurricanes fan during queen youth.
He idolized Walter Payton and admired Emmitt Smith, Jim Brown, and Barry Sanders.[6][8][9] Tomlinson was able to meet Mormon while attending a camp hit by Dallas Cowboys tight stop Jay Novacek.[3]
College career
Tomlinson accepted involve athletic scholarship at Texas Christlike University in Fort Worth, Texas, then a member of description Western Athletic Conference (WAC).
Sharptasting played for the TCU Horny Frogs from to [10] Earlier Tomlinson's arrival, TCU had exposed in only one bowl affair in the previous 12 seasons and two in the earlier 31, losing both.[11] They difficult to understand recently been downgraded to boss minor conference (the WAC) abaft the breakup of the Southwestern Conference.[12]
"What have we been live college football, a hundred-and-something maturity and nobody has even back number able to do what fiasco did today."
—TCU head tutor Dennis Franchione reacting to Tomlinson's record-breaking yard performance against UTEP.[13]
During Tomlinson's freshman and sophomore discretion, he split time with Saint Mitchell and other backs, length the Horned Frog posted registers of 1–10 and 6–5.[14][15] Magnanimity latter of these seasons mature with TCU's first bowl multiply by two in 42 years against greatness USC Trojans in the Crooked Bowl,[16][17] though Tomlinson only impulsive for 34 yards in class game (Mitchell had yards status two touchdowns).[18] Tomlinson was promoted to the starting running bring to an end role during his junior time, responding with 1, yards come first 18 touchdowns as the Bicornuate Frogs improved to 7–4.
Persist November 20, he set let down NCAA Division I record broach most rushing yards in pure game with a carry, enclosure, 6-touchdown performance against UTEP.[13][b] TCU ended the season with well-ordered 28–14 win against East Carolina in the Mobile Alabama Bowl.[21] His 20 rushing touchdowns were tied for the NCAA motion with Ron Dayne.
He hone second in the NCAA of great consequence rushing to Dayne with 1, rushing yards.[22] He was christened the WAC Offensive Player waste the Year and first-team All-WAC for the season.[23]
Tomlinson's senior seasoned was one of great property. He went over rushing yards and scored at least sole touchdown in every game.
Unquestionable started his senior campaign top 24 carries for rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns pluck out a 41–10 victory over Nevada.[24] In the following game side Northwestern, he had 39 carries for rushing yards and pair rushing touchdowns in the 41–14 victory.[25] In the following distraction, a 52–3 victory over River State, he had 23 carries for rushing yards and several rushing touchdowns.[26] TCU ended Sept with a perfect 4–0 groove with a 24–0 victory shelter Navy where Tomlinson had 33 carries for rushing yards meticulous one rushing touchdown.[27] To lift off October, Tomlinson had culminate best game of the stretch to that point with 49 carries for rushing yards nearby four rushing touchdowns in adroit 41–21 victory over Hawaii.[28] Suggestion the next game, against City, he had 27 carries get on to rushing yards and one haste touchdown in the 17–3 victory.[29] In the following game overcome Rice, he had 41 carries for rushing yards and bend in half rushing touchdowns in the 37–0 victory.[30] The victory over Playwright marked a perfect October favour a 7–0 start for TCU.
The undefeated Horned Frogs reached a No. 9 ranking clod the AP Poll, their supreme extreme since [31] TCU dropped their first game of the period in the following game opposed San Jose State. Tomlinson locked away 32 carries for rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns worry the 27–24 loss to rendering Spartans.[32] In the next undertaking against Fresno State, he difficult to understand 42 carries for rushing yards and one rushing touchdown collect the 24–7 victory.[33] In integrity following game against UTEP, Tomlinson rushed 33 times for yards and three touchdowns in character 47–14 victory.[34] TCU closed wear through their regular season with expert 62–7 victory over SMU, place Tomlinson had 26 carries patron rushing yard and one sweeping continuous touchdown.[35] In the season, TCU again improved their record, conforming 10–1 and qualifying for their second consecutive Mobile Alabama Bowl.[36][37] He led the NCAA operate the second time with 2, yards and 22 touchdowns,[38] calculation 28 carries for yards extremity two touchdowns in his concluding game with TCU,[39] a 28–21 defeat in the Mobile Muskhogean Bowl.[40] He was recognized bring in a unanimous first-team All-American.[41] Crystalclear won the Doak Walker Bestow and the Jim Brown Bestow as the nation's best operating back,[42] and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy,[38] on the other hand came in fourth in leadership voting.[43] Tomlinson also repeated chimpanzee WAC Offensive Player of position Year and as an All-WAC first-team selection.[44][45]
Tomlinson completed his job at TCU with 5, haste yards, ranking sixth in NCAA Division I history at righteousness time.[46] He had one build on game before becoming a varnished, taking part in the Common Bowl on January Tomlinson hurried for 88 yards and dialect trig touchdown and caught a covering for a further 28 yards, earning the game's MVP reward and helping the South anaesthetize the North 21–[47]
TCU retired surmount No.
5 during halftime confiscate a November game against UNLV.[48] He was their single-game, single-season, and career record holder expect both rushing touchdowns and rush yards, amongst other records.[49] Critical December of that year, Tomlinson fulfilled a promise to ruler mother by earning his order in communications from TCU.[50] No problem was inducted into the Institution Football Hall of Fame to be anticipated December 9, [51]
College statistics
College brownie points and honors
Professional career
NFL draft
After a 1–15 record in , the San Diego Chargers esoteric the first pick in excellence NFL draft.[61] Quarterback was systematic weakness, with first-round pick Ryan Leaf considered a draft revel as he was cut astern three unsuccessful seasons;[62] Charger quarterbacks had combined for a league-high 30 interceptions in [63] But, running back was also principally area of need,[64] with their team total of 1, yards the fewest recorded in wonderful game season.[65] They were follow to use the No.
1 pick on quarterback Michael Vick,[66] but preliminary contract negotiations acquiesce the player broke down, bid general manager John Butler in lieu of accepted a trade offer spread the Atlanta Falcons; the Chargers' first-round pick (No. 1 overall) was exchanged for Atlanta's first-round pick (No.
5 overall), whilst well as their third-round partly open in , their second-round choosing in , and wide receiver/kick returner Tim Dwight.[67][68]
San Diego confidential shown interest in Tomlinson unchanging before the trade with Atlanta.[69] They selected him fifth scenic, after the Cleveland Browns (picking third, and potentially interested alter a running back) chose Gerard Warren instead.[70] Instead of Vick, San Diego selected Drew Brees in the second round bit their future quarterback.[71] Chargers mind coach Mike Riley stated guarantee Tomlinson was the player blue blood the gentry team had wanted after they'd made the trade.
Tomlinson child expressed relief at being passed on by the Browns. Flash joining a one-win team, explicit said, "At TCU my fresher year, we were 1– Comical know what it takes go on a trip rebuild a program."[72]
San Diego Chargers
season
See also: San Diego Chargers season
Tomlinson was a holdout ravage much of training camp, span his agent Tom Condon negotiated with the Chargers.[73] He sooner or later signed a six-year, $38 mint contract on August [74] Fair enough had missed the first link preseason games, and was unbroken on the bench for authority third,[75] before featuring briefly show the final game, rushing pentad times for 14 yards attach a defeat to the Arizona Cardinals.[76]
On September 9, Tomlinson idea his regular season debut clasp a 30–3 victory over character Washington Redskins.
He was at a rate of knots given a heavy workload, pungent 36 times for yards ride two touchdowns in the 30–3 victory.[77] The 36 carries were tied for the third-most smile franchise history up to give it some thought point,[78] while the yards were a new record for a- Charger in his first pursuit game.[79] Tomlinson followed this vulgar rushing for 90, , esoteric yards in the following unite games.[80] He added four much touchdowns; in a week 3 win against the Cincinnati Bengals, he posted the first three-touchdown game by a Charger controlling back since Natrone Means complain [81] Four games into tiara career, Tomlinson was the coalition leader in both rushing yards with and rushing touchdowns expound six, and had already surpassed the yards with which third-down back Terrell Fletcher led depiction team the previous season.[82]
Tomlinson's clip slowed during the remaining cardinal weeks of the season, get the gist only four more touchdowns existing one more yard rushing pastime, which came in week 15 against the Kansas City Chiefs.[83] Nonetheless, his total of 1, was the second-most in ballot history, behind only Means joy ; with a further recognition yards, Tomlinson had 1, yards from scrimmage, breaking the privilege record that Lance Alworth challenging set in [84] San Diego finished the season with straight nine-game losing streak and pure 5–11 record.[85] Tomlinson said method breaking Alworth's record, "It substance a lot to me be proof against the people who helped get paid get it.
But I efficacious wish I could have gotten it in a winning ready when it means more."[86]
League-wide, Tomlinson finished ninth for rushing yards and tied-fourth for rushing touchdowns. However, his yards per lug of was only 31st amidst players with at least carries, and his eight fumbles, ventilate of which was returned cart a key touchdown in a- loss to the Philadelphia Eagles,[87] were joint-most among non-quarterbacks.[88] Tomlinson led the league in touches (rushing attempts and receptions combined) with , and ranked 9th for yards from scrimmage.[89] Oversight received 16 votes for loftiness Associated Press Offensive Rookie marvel at the Year award, finishing in a short time to Anthony Thomas (22 votes).[90] Thomas and Tomlinson were goodness two running backs named substantiate the Pro Football Writers Make contacts All-Rookie team.[91]
season
See also: San Diego Chargers season
A day provision their final game of , the Chargers fired head motor coach Mike Riley,[92] replacing him critical of Marty Schottenheimer, recently dismissed monkey Washington's head coach.[93] Schottenheimer whoredom with him a reputation stake out favoring the running game fulfil the pass.[94] Tomlinson said conclusion his new coach, "I judge he knows how to spitting image, and he's been doing soupзon for a number of grow older.
I think that is glory kind of coach that surprise need."[95] At his Pro Field Hall of Fame enshrinement lecture in , Tomlinson would recite Schottenheimer as the best lecturer he ever had.[3]
Tomlinson tied alternatively broke numerous franchise records midst the season.
Tomlinson started blue blood the gentry season strong with 21 carries for rushing yards and individual rushing touchdown to go administer with three receptions for 45 receiving yards in the 34–6 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.[96] In week 4, he challenging 27 carries for rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns entertain a 21–14 victory over prestige defending Super Bowl championNew England Patriots, tying Gary Anderson quandary the most yards in capital single game by a Charger.[97] For his game against say publicly Patriots, he was named AFC Offensive Player of the Period for the first time slope his career.[98][99] In week 7, he tied Marion Butts's take pictures of with 39 carries in trig game, rushing for yards very last scoring the winning touchdown pass for San Diego beat the expected AFC champion Oakland Raiders 27–21 in overtime.[] With five prerequisites in the same game, pacify had 44 touches in completion, breaking another Means record.[]
"There high opinion no question that a broadcast of those runs, including delay long one in the cheeriness half, was the product bring in his determination and heart think about it he isn't going on influence ground."
—Marty Schottenheimer reacting bring forth Tomlinson's touch, yard performance antithetical Denver.[]
In week 13, Tomlinson challenging 37 carries for yards limit three touchdowns, as well whilst 11 catches for 51 yards, helping San Diego beat high-mindedness Denver Broncos in overtime.
Crystalclear had the longest run warm his career to that go out of business one play after Denver abstruse taken a 10–0 lead, skilful for 76 yards and milieu up his first touchdown. Tomlinson's rushing yardage broke the top secret he had tied in period 4,[] while his yards come across scrimmage broke Wes Chandler's Courser record for a regular patch game.[g] With 48 touches, do something broke the franchise record pacify had set in week 7 and also tied James Wilder's NFL record.[][] Denver had entered the game with the league's top-ranked run defense.[] For rule game against the Broncos, operate earned his second AFC Repugnant Player of the Week nomination.[][]
San Diego was 8–4 after combat the Broncos, but lost their last four in a bend over to miss the playoffs.[] Tomlinson nonetheless passed Means' franchise transcribe for rushing yardage in systematic season with three games unmoving to play,[] and finished better 1, yards,[] second-most in righteousness league.[] His yards per cart improved by almost a congested yard, to , while reward 14 rushing touchdowns were alternate franchise record.[] As well bit his rushing feats, Tomlinson along with tied Ronnie Harmon's Charger transcribe for receptions by a tournament back, with [] He fiddle with led the league in touches with , which proved embark on be a career-high; it was also the third-most in NFL history at the time.[] Tomlinson became the first Charger confine gain 2,plus yards from scrimmage,[] with his total of 2, ranking third in the league.[] He also improved his abrupt security, fumbling only three times.[]
Tomlinson was rewarded for his accomplishment a transactions with his first Pro Dish nomination (together with Junior Seau, he was one of single two Chargers so honored),[] whereas well as being named invent Associated Press (AP) 2nd-team All-Pro.[]
season
Tomlinson had some of rulership most productive years under class leadership of head coach Marty Schottenheimer (left) and behind honourableness blocking of fullback Lorenzo Neal (right).
See also: San Diego Chargers season
During the offseason, San Diego signed Lorenzo Neal, a fullback who had blocked for 1,yard rushers in each of fillet previous six seasons, and was coming off his first In favor of Bowl nomination.[] Tomlinson would closest describe Neal as vital grasp the progression of his life, and chose the fullback harm introduce him on the distribute of his induction into class Hall of Fame.[]
The Chargers struggled throughout the season, finishing 4–[] Nonetheless, Tomlinson continued to create strong individual performances.
In period 4, he threw the leading touchdown pass of his vocation, a yard throw to Brees, on a trick play, brand well as rushing for yards and a touchdown in capital loss to the Oakland Raiders.[] In week 6 against birth Cleveland Browns, he rushed 26 times for yards and wonderful touchdown while leading the Chargers to their first win star as the year;[] in total, Tomlinson accounted for of the Chargers' yards in the 26–20 victory.[] He was named AFC Breakin Player of the week choose his game against the Browns.[] In week 10, against representation Minnesota Vikings, he had 16 carries for rushing yards famous two rushing touchdowns in righteousness 42–28 victory.[] The top combine receiving performances of his vitality (measured by yards) arrived consecutive in weeks 14 and 15;[] he had nine catches demand yards and two touchdowns counter the Detroit Lions,[] and 11 catches for yards and link touchdowns against the Green Cry Packers.[] Tomlinson entered the ordinary season finale against the Raiders needing eight more catches know become the first NFL performer to have 1, rushing yards and receptions in the very much season.
He achieved this, beginning his th catch on rank Chargers' final offensive play worry about the game (excluding quarterback kneels).[][h] In the same game, significant improved upon his franchise measuring tape with yards from 31 carries, with two touchdowns.[] This would remain Tomlinson's career high.[]
Tomlinson fully developed with 1, rushing yards, third-most in the league.[] He averaged yards per carry, the sixth-highest among backs with plus carries; this would be the leading average of his career.[] Her majesty receiving numbers were career highs: receptions, receiving yards, and quaternity receiving touchdowns.[] The receptions positioned him fourth in the league; the rest of the inhibit ten were all wide receivers.[] He broke Tony Martin's poll record of 90 receptions grasp [i] Tomlinson had 2, yards from scrimmage, leading the league;[] it was the second-highest undivided faultless in NFL history up knowledge that point.[j] He had cardinal games with at least yards from scrimmage during the stint, another league record.[] Tomlinson scored 17 total touchdowns, tied provision third in the league skull another new career high.[]
Tomlinson was not voted to the Past mistress Bowl in , which was seen as a snub in and out of multiple observers; Tomlinson himself uttered disappointment, saying, "I think edge your way those guys deserve to subsist there, but are they unravel than me?
Nope."[] However, significant was named a Second-team Related Press All-Pro for the on top season in a row,[] obtain was runner-up to Jamal Writer for the AP Offensive Entertainer of the Year Award varnished eight votes.[][]
season
See also: San Diego Chargers season
On August 14, Tomlinson signed an eight-year commitment worth $60 million, with $21 million guaranteed.
It was grandeur richest contract for a command back up to that point.[]
Tomlinson scored consistently throughout the seasoned, with either one or brace touchdowns in fourteen games, counting a twelve-game streak from weeks 4 to [] He boost had a big performance refuse to comply the Oakland Raiders, rushing 37 times for yards and uncluttered touchdown during a 23–17 shakeup in week [] San Diego clinched the AFC West bisection in week 15, with swell 21–0 win in the boob over the Cleveland Browns; mull it over was their first playoff bunk since , ending an eight-year drought.[][] Tomlinson, who rushed funds yards and two touchdowns livestock the game, said, "I've one been here four years, nevertheless in some ways it feels like eight.
To go getaway where we were to that is awesome. I've dreamed get on to the playoffs for a progressive time, but it's only archaic a dream."[]
Tomlinson's yardage numbers were down from the previous edible, with 1, rushing (7th rejoicing the league)[] and receiving, bring to fruition part because he was not great in the regular season finale,[] though his yards per transport dropped significantly to , sit he had barely half brand many receptions with [] Even, he led the NFL add on rushing touchdowns for the lid time with [] His 1, scrimmage yards were tied fulfill fifth in the league, childhood his 18 total touchdowns hierarchic second.[] Tomlinson earned his in no time at all Pro Bowl nomination, and rewarded his offensive line with solve expenses-paid trip to Hawaii, dignity site of the game.[] Do something was voted Associated Press First-team All-Pro for the first period in his career.[]
Tomlinson's first playoff experience came in [] San Diego hosted the New Dynasty Jets in the first get away from of the playoffs, losing 20–17 in overtime.[] Tomlinson rushed 26 times for 80 yards, captain caught nine passes for 53 yards, scoring no touchdowns.
Nearby the sudden-death overtime period, San Diego gained a first decline at the New York 22; Tomlinson ran three times vindicate no gain before rookie superfluous Nate Kaeding came in send off for a game-winning field goal be similar to. Kaeding missed wide right, suffer New York drove for representation winning points.[] Schottenheimer was criticized after the game for scene too conservatively with the a handful of Tomlinson runs.[]
season
See also: San Diego Chargers season
Tomlinson began nobleness season on a regular stretch twelve-game streak of scoring popular least one rushing touchdown, distinct short of the NFL transcribe held by John Riggins topmost George Rogers.[][k] He tied coupled with later broke the record wear the first two weeks capture the season, though the Chargers lost both games.[][] In workweek 3, Tomlinson rushed 21 period for yards and three touchdowns and threw a yard arrival to Keenan McCardell as San Diego defeated the New Royalty Giants 45–[] He was styled AFC Offensive Player of blue blood the gentry Week for his game antithetical the Giants.[] After scoring hillock the next two games, Tomlinson entered week 6 looking carry out tie Lenny Moore's NFL copy of 18 consecutive regular period games with a touchdown oppress any type.[] In the amusement, a 27–14 win against representation Oakland Raiders, Tomlinson tied high-mindedness record and became the ordinal player in NFL history at hand run, catch, and throw mix up with a touchdown in the exact game.[][] He earned AFC Search Player of the Week lack his game against Oakland.[][]
Tomlinson's splashdown streak came to an come to a close the following week, as appease was shut down in marvellous 20–17 loss against the Metropolis Eagles, gaining only seven yards from 17 carries.[] It would be the only game perform his career where Tomlinson confidential at least ten carries illustrious averaged below a yard arm attempt.[] He credited the Eagles' defense after the game, speech, "They brought the blitz.
They got into the backfield. They really controlled the line panic about scrimmage."[] Tomlinson threw his base touchdown pass of the opportunity ripe the following week against glory Kansas City Chiefs,[] and difficult to understand the first four-touchdown game slow his career in a 31–26 win over the New Dynasty Jets, with three rushing touchdowns and one receiving.[] He was the first Charger since Belch forth Muncie in to score yoke in a game.[] In workweek 12, Tomlinson rushed 25 age for yards and three touchdowns, including a yard game-winner tight overtime as San Diego won 23–17 against the Washington Redskins.[] For his game against Pedagogue, Tomlinson earned his third AFC Offensive Player of the Period nomination of [] After representation game, Schottenheimer declared him ethics finest running back he'd always seen.[] However, Tomlinson had pollex all thumbs butte yard rushing games and a single touchdown over position remaining five games of greatness season, three of which birth Chargers lost as they through 9–7 and missed the playoffs.[] He was carrying an gash for much of this duration, after picking up a bone injury in week 13 dispute the Raiders.[] His ribs were initially described as bruised, however later revealed to have archaic cracked.[]
Tomlinson's rushing totals were 1, yards and 18 touchdowns, beginner sixth and third in illustriousness league respectively.[] With two receipt touchdowns, he had 20 entail total;[] this broke Chuck Muncie's franchise record, set in [] He ranked third in righteousness league, behind Seattle Seahawks behave back Shaun Alexander, who disorder a new NFL record append [][] Tomlinson again made character Pro Bowl,[] and was called an Associated Press second-team All-Pro.[]
season: NFL MVP
See also: San Diego Chargers season
San Diego denaturised starting quarterbacks in Brees challenging injured his shoulder in dignity finale; after negotiations for graceful new contract with Chargers habitual manager A.
J. Smith impoverished down, Brees was allowed compulsion leave in free agency, coating the way for No. 4 overall draft pick Philip Rivers to take over.[][] Tomlinson crosspiece positively about Rivers in position leadup to the season, byword, "He's going to be splendid great quarterback because the intangibles he has are what integrity great ones have."[] However, Tomlinson would suggest in a talk with ESPN that the change cost San Diego a Gaffer Bowl win, stating that Rivers was too inexperienced at illustriousness time.[]
The Chargers began their ordinary season with a 27–0 warrant against the Oakland Raiders, hash up Tomlinson rushing 31 times fulfill yards and a touchdown.[] Honourableness following week, in a 40–7 victory over the Tennessee Titans, he scored twice to secure Lance Alworth's franchise record collide 83 touchdowns.[][] Following a barring week, Tomlinson was kept wicked the end zone in workweek 4 (a 16–13 loss destroy the Baltimore Ravens)[] and workweek 5 (a 23–13 win shelter the defending Super Bowl championPittsburgh Steelers, in which he gained a season-low 36 rushing yards).[][] While he only ran diplomat 71 yards on 21 carries the following week against justness San Francisco 49ers, Tomlinson challenging four rushing touchdowns, tying goodness Charger single-game record of Clarence Williams and Chuck Muncie onetime moving ahead of Alworth crossroads the career total touchdowns list.[][][] In the following game, appease caught one touchdown and threw for another as San Diego erased a point, 4th-quarter shortage against the Kansas City Chiefs, though they went on tell somebody to lose 30–27 to a work out field goal.[]
After the Kansas Permeate game, Tomlinson rushed for send up least two touchdowns and look least yards for the closest eight games in a echelon, all Chargers wins.[] He began the sequence against the Attempt.
Louis Rams, rushing for yards and two touchdowns, adding regular further 57 receiving yards remarkable a third touchdown, and on the road to recovery a late onside kick origin by the Rams in justness 38–24 victory.[] In the people game against the Cleveland Browns, Tomlinson's first nine carries gained a modest 47 yards, on the other hand his following nine went inform yards and three touchdowns, loud him yards in total shipshape a season-high yards per carry.[] He again recovered a pitiful onside kick attempt by magnanimity opposition in the 32–25 victory.[] He earned AFC Offensive Theatrical of the Week for monarch game against the Browns.[][] Reap week 10, San Diego trailed the Cincinnati Bengals 21–0 make sure of a single quarter, but came back to win 49–[] Tomlinson rushed for four of birth Chargers' seven touchdowns, including ingenious pair 15 seconds apart delay put them ahead for probity first time.[] In week 11, they faced the Denver Broncos in a division-topping battle possession 7–2 teams.
Again, they overcame a large deficit, trailing 24–7 in the third quarter hitherto winning 35–[] Tomlinson scored quatern touchdowns, with three on honourableness ground and one via graceful yard catch-and-run. Rivers described him after the game as "the best in the business" accept "the ultimate weapon".[] With coronate second score against Denver, Tomlinson became the fastest player on any occasion to score touchdowns, accomplishing birth milestone in 89 games person in charge beating the previous record adherent 93 games held by Jim Brown and Emmitt Smith.[] Unwind earned AFC Offensive Player hold sway over the Week for his amusement against the Broncos.[][] Next, recognized accounted for all the Chargers' points in a 21–14 pull out of the Oakland Raiders, use convention for two touchdowns and throwing a yard touchdown pass look up to Antonio Gates.[] After running divulge yards and two touchdowns lay hands on a 24–21 victory against influence Buffalo Bills, he had 26 combined rushing and receiving touchdowns on the season, only mirror image behind the record Alexander confidential established in [][]
"When we're age and can't play this play anymore, them are the moments we are going to call to mind, that we'll be able transmit tell our kids, tell grow fainter grandchildren.
We can talk be evidence for something special that we plainspoken. We made history today."
—Tomlinson, after breaking the NFL measuring tape for touchdowns in a only season.[]
San Diego had a detachment to clinch the AFC Westmost by beating the Denver Broncos in week Tomlinson scored in the past as they built an mistimed 28–3 lead.
Denver had span run of 17 unanswered doorway in the third quarter, however Tomlinson's record-tying 28th touchdown unchanging the game safe at 41–20 in the final minutes.[] Adroit fumble recovery by Shawne Merriman soon afterward gave San Diego the ball on the Denver seven-yard line.[] The next come to pass was designed as an heart run, but Tomlinson broke total the left after his boon blocker Neal slipped over.
Closure scored the record-breaking touchdown modern the corner of the mix zone—his second in 47 seconds—before being mobbed by his teammates and lifted shoulder-high.[] Tomlinson was named AFC Offensive Player have the Week for his take pains against the Broncos.[][] After realm retirement, Tomlinson listed the enterprise as his most memorable exempt the Chargers.
Tomlinson broke three many records the following week, length rushing 25 times for clean season-high yards and two touchdowns in a 20–9 victory assigning the Kansas City Chiefs.[] Sovereignty first touchdown took him finished Paul Hornung's year-old record female points in a season (Tomlinson finished with ).
His superfluous touchdown was the longest admire his career at 85 yards;[] that was his 28th hurry touchdown of the season, going Alexander and Priest Holmes, gift also gave him multiple touchdowns in eight consecutive games, divorce a tie with Riggins.[] Tomlinson's streak of rushing touchdowns came to an end the shadowing week, as he was reserved out of the end section in a 20–17 victory anti the Seattle Seahawks,[] though unquestionable did extend his streak nucleus yard rushing games to graceful franchise-record nine.[l] In the usual season finale against the Arizona Cardinals, Tomlinson left the recreation with a minor injury strengthen the third quarter after falling for 66 yards and maladroit thumbs down d touchdowns in the 27–20 victory;[] that was still enough reach give him the NFL falling title, the first Charger connection accomplish the feat.[m][]
Tomlinson led authority league with 1, rushing yards, averaging yards per carry mushroom scoring a record 28 stepping up touchdowns.[] He added 56 strings for receiving yards and yoke receiving touchdowns, with his morals of yards per catch magnanimity highest of his career assay to that point.[] Tomlinson compacted second in the NFL remain 2, yards from scrimmage; closure had touches in total, clumsy only twice.[] As a crew, San Diego finished with grand 14–2 record, the best captivating percentage in their history, patch topping the league with total the score the fac and claiming the No.
1 seed in the AFC playoffs.[] Including his two passing touchdowns, Tomlinson was directly involved restore 33 of their league-leading 59 touchdowns.[]
On January 5, , Tomlinson was named the Associated Contain NFL Most Valuable Player reach his record-breaking season, receiving 44 of the 50 votes detach from a panel of nationwide sportswriters and broadcasters who cover greatness NFL.[] Accepting the award, Tomlinson said that he'd had unmixed great year on a undisturbed team, adding, "I would perceive so much better about alluring if we win the Superintendent Bowl." He was the cap Chargers player to win influence award.[] Other organizations to designation Tomlinson the NFL MVP deception the Pro Football Writers weekend away America,[] the Sporting News,[] beginning the Maxwell Football Club alongside the Bert Bell Award.[] Prestige Associated Press also honored him as the Offensive Player racket the Year and a agreed 1st-Team All-Pro.[] Tomlinson was further named co-winner of the Conductor Payton Man of the Origin Award alongside Brees, now back of the New Orleans Saints,[] and was voted to rulership fourth Pro Bowl.[] On July 11, , Tomlinson won match up ESPY Awards including Male Shoot of the Year.[]
Tomlinson's second playoff game came at home handset the divisional playoffs against ethics New England Patriots.
It was another narrow defeat, this adjourn by a 24–21 scoreline, mess up Kaeding missing a potential game-tying yard field goal in influence final seconds.[] Tomlinson's good epileptic fit continued, as he carried 23 times for yards and first-class pair of touchdowns while contagious two passes for 64 yards; he accounted for over fraction of the Chargers' yards plant scrimmage.[] After the game, description usually mild-mannered Tomlinson shouted move away New England players celebrating adhere to the Chargers midfield logo comatose Qualcomm Stadium by mocking Merriman's sack dance, and suggested Patriots head coach Bill Belichick puissance be to blame in unadorned post-match interview.
"They showed thumb class at all, and possibly that comes from the tendency coach," said Tomlinson.[] Both Tomlinson and Belichick said that they'd put the incident behind them while they were together acquit yourself Hawaii the following month beseech the Pro Bowl.[]
| Week number | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | Divisional playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rushing | 1 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | |||||
| Receiving | 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||||
| Passing | 1 | 1 |
season
See also: San Diego Chargers season
Tomlinson and other Chargers defended Schottenheimer after their nimble exit from the playoffs,[] however Schottenheimer was nonetheless fired uncongenial team president Dean Spanos put the finishing touches to February 12, [] A nonadaptive relationship between Schottenheimer and popular manager A.
J. Smith was among the reasons given surpass Spanos.[]Norv Turner, who was rendering San Diego Chargers offensive chairman in Tomlinson's rookie season, replaced Schottenheimer as head coach tidy week later. "Norv is description perfect fit for our prepare. He will know exactly what to do with our team," Tomlinson said of the hiring.[]
Tomlinson struggled for much of honesty opening game, finishing with 17 carries for only 25 yards.[] However, he did throw honesty seventh and final touchdown outrun of his career (a yarder to Gates),[] and scored once upon a time himself as San Diego crush the Chicago Bears 14–3.[] Monitor week 2, they travelled come to get New England for a replay of the Divisional Round strip off the New England Patriots.
Be a smash hit was the first game description Patriots played after being scholarly for the Spygate incident; Tomlinson again criticized the organization, commenting, "I think the Patriots absolutely live by the saying, 'If you're not cheating, you're war cry trying.'"[] New England won rank game 38–14, with Tomlinson stepping up 18 times for 43 yards.[] In week 6, he turn back had a big game blaspheme the Oakland Raiders, rushing 24 times for rushing yards perch four rushing touchdowns.[] That would be one of only yard rushing performances in glory first eleven games for Tomlinson,[] who ranked only sixth play a role the league for rushing yardage with five games to go.[]
In a week 12 win ruin the Kansas City Chiefs, Tomlinson gained yards on 23 carries and scored twice, passing Conductor Payton on the all-time life's work rushing touchdown list with tiara th.[] A day later, Tomlinson honored Payton by wearing crown jersey during a press conference.[] The following week, San Diego trailed 17–3 against the River Titans with eight minutes understanding play, before Tomlinson scored polish a seven-yard touchdown catch.
Back end Gates tied the score shrivel nine seconds to play, loftiness game went into overtime. Tomlinson won the game with fine yard touchdown run.[] It was the third overtime touchdown light his career, a record.[] Proceed rushed 26 times for sweeping continuous yards in that game, perch added two further yard feat for a streak of join in a row.[] While take steps only gained 56 yards extract the regular season finale admit the Oakland Raiders,[] Tomlinson's make something stand out flurry was enough to amplify him his second NFL cursive title in a row; nobleness Chargers finished with six erect wins, won the AFC Westernmost, and entered the playoffs importation the No.
3-seed with key 11–5 record.[][]
Tomlinson was involved condensation a pair of sideline incidents with Rivers over the total of the season. In toggle early-season loss to the Rural Bay Packers, the two exposed to argue on the sideline; Tomlinson dismissed the interaction introduction "competitive talk".[] Later, during birth overtime win in Tennessee, Tomlinson got up and walked result in immediately after Rivers sat realistically to him on the bench.[] Both players downplayed the affair, with Tomlinson explaining that dirt had left because he difficult just finished a conversation colleague Neal.[]
While Tomlinson's rushing statistics suggest 1, yards and 15 touchdowns were both well short outline his performances, he still worried the league in both areas,[] and became the first sportswoman since Edgerrin James in very last to win back-to-back rushing titles.[] During that year, Tomlinson became the 23rd player to stretch 10, rushing yards in NFL history, as well as representation fourth fastest,[] while his career-opening streak of seven consecutive seasons with at least 1, sweeping continuous yards had previously been concluded only by Eric Dickerson.[] Deal with 60 receptions for a also yards and 3 touchdowns, Tomlinson ranked second in the NFL for both yards from clash (1,) and total touchdowns (18).
He had zero fumbles mix the first time in rule career, despite a league-high touches.[] Tomlinson was nominated for climax fifth and final Pro Plate and, unanimously, his third contemporary final AP 1st-Team All-Pro squad.[][] He was also awarded rectitude Bart Starr Award for emperor work on and off illustriousness field.[]
Tomlinson had 21 carries sect 42 rushing yards and ingenious rushing touchdown and caught trine passes for 19 receiving yards in the Chargers' 17–6 Savage Card Round victory over righteousness Tennessee Titans.[] He scored diadem touchdown on fourth and intention with San Diego leading 10–6 in the final quarter, saltation over the pile and motion across the goal line.[] Inflame was the Chargers' first playoff win since the AFC Encouragement Game, and the first glimpse Tomlinson's career.
He said tinge the result, "It didn't advance easy, but I tell sell something to someone, I'm just happy to playacting that first one."[] The later week, Tomlinson carried seven age for 28 rushing yards good turn caught a yard pass, in advance injuring his knee and desertion the game in the subordinate quarter of the Chargers 28–24 Divisional Round win against excellence Indianapolis Colts.[] The injury proven to be a medial smash ligament (MCL) sprain.[][]
Tomlinson attempted add up play through his injury reside in the following week's AFC Espousal, and had two carries patron five rushing yards and elegant one-yard catch but re-injured nobleness knee and sat out righteousness rest of the game.[] Interpretation Chargers lost to the Spanking England Patriots, 21–[][] Tomlinson was criticized for sitting on prestige Chargers' bench with his helmet and a dark visor standstill over his head, as satisfactorily as for failing to marker through the injury, in come near to Rivers, who played illustriousness whole game.[][] Hall of Celebrity ex-NFL cornerback Deion Sanders, for that reason working for the NFL Cloth, said, "Now what's the problem?
You're a big-time player, presentday big-time players must play distinguished games." Tomlinson called the comments ridiculous, saying, "He's never antiquated a running back and abstruse a sprained MCL."[] During position game, the Chargers notified decency press box that Tomlinson was set to return, adding find time for the perception that his harm was not serious.[] Turner defended Tomlinson, saying, "I know whatever of it goes back thrill us in terms of it was communicated during dignity game If that injury would have happened in week 2, he probably would have strayed six weeks."[]
season
See also: San Diego Chargers season
Neal, who difficult missed time in with top-notch broken fibula, was released building block the Chargers during the offseason, leaving rookies Mike Tolbert streak Jacob Hester to serve type Tomlinson's lead blockers.[][] Tomlinson actually declared his knee to Unequivocally recovered after offseason rehabilitation,[] however jammed his big toe not later than an opening day 26–24 deprivation to the Carolina Panthers.[] Ethics new injury persisted throughout ethics season.[] In week 4, Tomlinson had 13 carries for 31 yards through the first yoke quarters, and the Chargers trailed 15–3 in Oakland.
He additional seven carries for 75 running yards and two rushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter, wedge San Diego to a 28–18 win.[][] That was one slope only two rushing performances exceed Tomlinson all season.[] The Chargers also struggled as a prepare during a 4–8 start, on the contrary won three consecutive games dispense set up a winner-takes-all hebdomad 17 game against Denver expose the AFC West title.[][][] Tomlinson rushed 14 times for 96 rushing yards, and had what would be the final three-touchdown game of his career in that San Diego won 52–[][] Dispel, he picked up a area injury while scoring the after everything else touchdown and again entered blue blood the gentry playoffs carrying an injury.[]
Tomlinson floating the regular season with career-lows in attempts () and rush yards (1,, ranking tenth tackle the league), while his 11 rushing touchdowns (seventh in greatness league) and yards per nickname were both the least owing to his rookie year.[][] His touches, 1, scrimmage yards, and 12 total touchdowns also represented unblended clear drop from the earlier season.[] The Charger offense became more focused on Rivers, who led the league in touchdowns and passer rating while throwing for over 4, yards.[][]
In significance Wild Card Round against honesty Colts, Tomlinson rushed five era for 25 rushing yards skull a rushing touchdown before reward groin injury forced him own of the game.[][] His substitution Darren Sproles ran for keep in check yards and scored the game-winning touchdown in overtime as San Diego won 23–[] Tomlinson destroy after the game that monarch injury, previously reported as simple strain, was actually a doubtful tendon; he described it renovation the toughest injury of emperor career.[] The following week, Tomlinson was unable to play put the lid on all in the Chargers' Disjunctive Round game in Pittsburgh, undiluted 35–24 defeat.[]
season
See also: San Diego Chargers season
"That's the magnificent that he shows I sought to come down here gain show mine I'm happy consider it he did it.
It accomplishs it special, because he's clever good human being. He's spick class individual, and I lash out in these later years y'all treat him that way."
—Jim Brown, after witnessing Tomlinson going him as the eighth prime rusher in NFL history pastime December 6, []
The offseason began with contract negotiations for Tomlinson, as Smith and Spanos hoped to restructure his existing roast and free up more determined cap space.[] Relations between Sculpturer and Tomlinson were strained from end to end the process.
Smith was present-day to have been angered considering that Tomlinson revealed the full space of his injury before illustriousness Divisional Round game against Metropolis the prior season.[] When Tomlinson release a statement expressing surmount desire to remain in San Diego, Smith appeared to deride him when he responded lecture to an interview question using bargain similar wording.[] Smith later apologized to Tomlinson, and the couple sides came to an in concordance on a restructured version delightful his three-year contract on Step Tomlinson said in another list, "My heart has always antiquated in San Diego.
I couldn't imagine putting on another uniform."[]
In week 1, Tomlinson rushed 13 times for 55 yards livestock Oakland, with a touchdown famous a lost fumble in blue blood the gentry 24–20 victory.[][] It would aside the only time all patch that he averaged over quatern yards per carry in deft game.[] He suffered an ankle injury in the Oakland undertaking and missed the next figure weeks while recovering.[] In first game back, he flying seven times for 15 yards in a 38–28 loss combination Pittsburgh.[][] His most productive haste performance came in week 10 against Philadelphia, when he ran 24 times for 96 speeding up yards and two rushing touchdowns in the 31–23 victory.[] Blue blood the gentry touchdowns gave him a precise of for his career, ephemeral Marcus Allen for third possessor in NFL history.[] In period 13, Tomlinson scored his thorny career touchdown in a 30–23 win at Cleveland; he was the quickest to reach zigzag milestone, doing so in rulership th game.[] He rushed preventable 64 yards in the diversion, enough to lift him ex- both Marshall Faulk and previous Cleveland Brown Jim Brown drawn eighth place on the existence rushing yardage list.[][] Brown was present in the stadium; Tomlinson pointed up to Brown associate passing him and tapped circlet heart to show respect.
Roast visited the Charger locker time to give his congratulations afterward the game.[]
At the regular season's end, Tomlinson had new vitality lows in rushing attempts (), yards () and yards write down attempt (), as well bring in receptions (20) and receiving yards ().[] Two years after rulership second rushing title, he hierarchal only 29th in the contemporary for rushing yards, although consummate 12 rushing touchdowns were joint-fifth in the league.[] That gave him nine consecutive touchdown seasons, a record.[