LaDainian Tomlinson

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Tomlinson's college dominance at Texas Christian University set the stage for his professional success. As a junior, he set a Division I record by rushing for 406 yards in a single game against UTEP. By his senior year, he earned unanimous All-American honors and won the Doak Walker Award as the nation's best running back. TCU retired his No. 5 jersey in 2005, and he was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2014. In the NFL, the Chargers selected him fifth overall in the 2001 draft after Michael Vick had already been taken first by the Falcons. Tomlinson started immediately, beginning a streak of five consecutive seasons with over 1,200 rushing yards (2002–2006), a feat previously achieved only by Eric Dickerson and Barry Sanders.

In Their Own Story

Under coach Marty Schottenheimer from 2002 to 2006, Tomlinson became a prolific scorer. His output peaked in 2006 when he set numerous single-season records, including most touchdowns scored with 31. These feats secured him the NFL MVP award. Despite this individual brilliance, San Diego suffered an upset defeat in their playoff opener that season, and Schottenheimer was fired shortly afterward. In the following three seasons, Tomlinson became less central to the offense and missed key games due to injury. He was released after the 2009 season, played two more years with the New York Jets, and then retired.

Reader's Guide

Tomlinson's career statistics remain historic at the time of his retirement. He ranked fifth in career rushing yards (13,684) and fifth in yards from scrimmage (18,456). His touchdown totals were even more remarkable: second in career rushing touchdowns with 145 and third in total touchdowns with 162. He also threw seven touchdown passes, ranking second behind Walter Payton for non-quarterbacks in the Super Bowl era. He was named to five Pro Bowls (2002, 2004–2007) and made three first-team All-Pro selections (2004, 2006, 2007). The Chargers retired his No. 21 jersey in 2015, and he entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017 on his first year of eligibility.

Did You Know?

• Tomlinson set a Division I record with 406 rushing yards in a single game as a TCU junior against UTEP.
• He broke the NFL single-season touchdown record in 2006 by scoring 31 touchdowns.
• Tomlinson ranks second behind Walter Payton for non-quarterback touchdown passes in the Super Bowl era with seven.
• His jersey number 5 was retired by TCU in 2005, and his number 21 was retired by the Chargers in 2015.
• He won the Doak Walker Award as the best college running back before being drafted.