LaDainian Tomlinson

Chargers release Tomlinson

Ladainian Tomlinson is a former Pro Bowl running back who was released by the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League on February 22, 2010. The move had been expected, as the Chargers were looking to trim salary. While Tomlinson is one of the popular athletes to play in San Diego in any sport, his production has declined in recent seasons. He found a new home on March 14, signing a two-year contract with the New York Jets.

NFL Career

Tomlinson was drafted by the Chargers in 2001 with the fifth overall pick. After the 2009 season, he ranked eighth on the all-time rushing list with 12,490 yards. His 138 career rushing touchdowns rank second, and his 153 total touchdowns rank third. He was the NFL's MVP in 2006, when he set league single-season records with 31 touchdowns, including 28 rushing, and 186 points. He won NFL rushing titles in 2006 and 20007. The Chargers made five playoff appearances during Tomlinson's time here. They advanced to the AFC championship game following the 2007 season but lost to the New England Patriots.

End of an era

Tomlinson began his career in San Diego in 2001, when the Chargers were coming off a 1-15 season. San Diego held the No. 1 pick in the 2001 draft, but it sent that pick to Atlanta a day before the draft for a package that included the fifth pick. The Falcons took Michael Vick and the Chargers chose Tomlinson. "When he came here in 2001, we were a struggling franchise," Chargers team president Dean Spanos said. "It's clear that we are where we are today because of him. He truly has been the heart and soul of our team all these years, and just done an outstanding job and helped turn this franchise around into a winning franchise."