From day one, LaDainian Tomlinson showed that he had the talent to be a successful running back in the National Football League. Not only is he the San Diego Chargers' most valuable player, he is also considered by many to be the NFL's most valuable player, and is well on his way to a Hall of Fame career. In many ways, Tomlinson's high school years on the football field at University High School in Waco, Texas were a sign of things to come. He earned Most Valuable Player for his district, and Offensive Player of the Year honors and even played against future Charger teammate Drew Brees in high school all-star games. Tomlinson played college football for the Horned Frogs of Texas Christian University, where he set several school records: 21 games with 100 yards rushing, 54 touchdowns and 6,337 all-purpose yards. Although he was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy following the 2000 season, Tomlinson finished fourth in the voting behind Chris Weinke, Josh Heuppel and high school all-star rival Drew Brees. Although he was snubbed in the Heisman voting, Tomlinson was definitely not snubbed by the San Diego Chargers in the 2001 NFL draft. San Diego had the first pick in the draft, but decided to trade down to the fifth pick and get more picks, allowing the Atlanta Falcons to draft the highly athletic Michael Vick. It seemed like the hand of fate was at work as the Chargers picked Tomlinson and Brees for their first two picks. So far, Tomlinson has accomplished a great deal in his brief NFL career. He has set team records with 1,683 yards rushing and 2,370 all-purpose yards and is the first player in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards and catch 100 passes in the same season. It will be interesting to see how far he can go before his NFL career is over.
He wears uniform number 21 for the Chargers because it is between the uniform numbers of two running backs he idolized while growing up: Barry Sanders (20) and Emmitt Smith (22).
His first career pass completion was a touchdown to quarterback Drew Brees , on a trick play against the Oakland Raiders on 28 September 2003.
Tomlinson is the first person to catch 100 passes and rush for 1000 yards in the same season, which he did in 2003.
Proceeds from his annual golf tournaments go towards the "LT School is Cool" scholarship fund.
Some of his prized possessions are his three dogs, and football helmets signed by his heroes Jim Brown, Walter Payton and Barry Sanders.
Considered by many to be one of the classiest and nicest players in the NFL.
Was named the NFLs MVP in the 2006-2007 season.
In the 2006-2007 season, he broke numerous records, most impressively the record for most touchdowns by a single player in a season with 31. The record was previously held by greats Priest Holmes and Marshall Faulk , but most recently had been set by Shaun Alexander the year before, with 28. Not only the record, but he broke the record in the 14th out of 16 games in the regular season.
Other records he has include most games with over 100 yards in a single season. In the 2006-2007 season, he had over 100 yards in 12 out of 16 regular season games. He also has a record for 14 consecutive games with a touchdown.
Along with rookie standout Philip Rivers , he led the Chargers to a first-round bye and a 14-2 regular season record in 2007.
Played college football for TCU (Texas Christian University).
He was picked 5th overall in the 2001 draft by the San Diego Chargers.
Off-the-field hobbies include basketball, golf, and classic cars. He owns a restored 1964, cherry-red Chevy Impala.
Frequent attendee of Los Angeles Lakers basketball games.
At the age of 27, many media outlets, including Time Magazine, already began labeling him as possibly the best running back ever.
Oversees the Tomlinson Touching Lives Foundation benefiting under-privileged youths in San Diego and his hometown state of Texas.
Every home San Diego Chargers games, he donates tickets to 21 under-privileged kids from his "The 21 Club" attend the game. After the game, he takes the kids out for dinner and a night on the town. At the end of the night, each kid leaves with a goodie bag full of games and school supplies.
Father, Oliver Tomlinson, was killed in a road accident resulting from a blown tire in Waco, Texas (February 23, 2007).
Met wife LaTorsha at Texas Christian University (TCU), where they were both students.
(March 2010) Signed a two-year deal with the New York Jets.
(February 2010) Released by the San Diego Chargers.
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.
