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LaDainian Tomlinson
Football Player
Date of Birth: 1979-06-23, Waco, Texas, USA
Height: 5' 10" (1.78 m)
Height: 5' 10" (1.78 m)
One of the smartest runners in the NFL today, LaDainian Tomlinson has made the journey from an inexperienced high school tailback to a Heisman Trophy finalist to possibly the best running back in professional football. The popular and mild-mannered superstar is known for his commitment to charity when off the field, and has spearheaded the Tomlinson Touching Lives Foundation, which serves to assist underprivileged families in his native Texas and the San Diego area.
Tomlinson was born in Rosebud, Texas on June 23, 1979, and grew up an avid student of football history and strategy. His idol was legendary Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith, who exerted enormous influence on Tomlinson after the then 13-year-old attended the Emmitt Smith Football Camp at the University of North Texas. Tomlinson excelled playing halfback, fullback, and tailback at University High School in Waco, Texas, but few college recruiters were interested in him due to his small size and relative lack of experience for a high school player. He ultimately played for Texas Christian, where he rushed an astounding 5,263 career yards and broke the NCAA single-game record for rushing yards. The tables were turned from his low-key high school years, and Tomlinson entered the 2001 First Round NFL draft as the fifth pick. The San Diego Chargers nabbed Tomlinson through a trade with the Atlanta Falcons for #1 pick Michael Vick, and Tomlinson has since tore up the Chargers' record books.
Notable for his unpredictable, flashy moves that call up memories of legends like Smith and Walter Payton, Tomlinson owns an unmatched versatility and speed, including a trademark red zone move that sees him leap over the defensive line to score. In addition to his numerous team records with the Chargers (which include breaking Chuck Muncie's 24-year-old team record of most touchdowns in a single season), Tomlinson has tied the NFL record for longest streak of games with a rushing touchdown, and is the first player in history to receive 100 passes and rush for 1,000 yards in the same season. Known to fans by the monikers 'LT' or 'Lightning and Thunder', Tomlinson has also thrown four career touchdowns in passing situations - quite the feat for a running back.
Generous on and off the field, Tomlinson will undoubtedly join the ranks of his Hall of Fame-enshrined idols.
