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LaDainian Tomlinson’s biography in the Chargers’ 2009 media guide takes up 14 pages, most of them filled with milestones, statistics, honors and accomplishments the future Hall of Famer piled up during his brilliant nine-year career in San Diego.

But on the day that his time with the Chargers came to an end, it wasn’t the things that Tomlinson did on the field that weighed so heavily in the minds of his former teammates.

“Just the way he carried himself is what I appreciate the most,” tight end Antonio Gates said. “The way he was always a class act on and off the field. When you think of a role model, a football player and human being, he’s a guy you want to be like. That’s what stands out to me.”

When Philip Rivers was traded to the Chargers on draft day 2004, one of the first things he thought of was getting to play with Tomlinson. He quickly learned what a privilege it was to get to know the man behind the mask as well.

“There wasn’t a whole lot I knew about the Chargers at that point, but I knew about LT,” Rivers said. “I was excited to play with the running back who wore the dark visor. As the last six years have progressed, it’s been way more than that. He’s been a heck of a friend, heck of a teammate, heck of a player. I have a ton of great memories of playing with him. I’ve had some great views of his runs. It’s hard when you’re in the moment, but when you look at the last nine years, specifically the six I’ve been here, it’s unbelievable what he’s accomplished.”

While Tomlinson often preferred to lead by example rather than with words, his actions spoke loudly and impacted those around him.

“He’s a guy that you always had to respect because of the way he approached the game, the way he practiced, the way he was in the weight room and in the locker room,” linebacker Stephen Cooper said. “He’s just a player that you want to be like in every facet of the game.”

Safety Eric Weddle also expressed a deep appreciation for Tomlinson’s friendship and the effect LT has had on his young career.

“He’s so real as a person,” Weddle said. “When I came in as a rookie, he took his time to meet me and show me the way of being in the NFL. I have so much respect for him.”

Gates, one of Tomlinson’s closest friends in the locker room, spoke Monday of the privilege of playing with an athlete of LT’s caliber.

“You’re talking about playing with a guy that’s going to be remembered as one of the greatest running backs in the history of the game,” Gates said. “I had the pleasure of playing with him and going through the tough times, the adversity with him. When we were 4-12, we were a part of that journey of rebuilding that organization and rebuilding that team. When you think about the resurgence of the Chargers, LT is the first one that comes to mind.”

President Dean Spanos called Monday the most difficult day in his 26 years with the organization. While the news wasn’t shocking to LT’s teammates due to speculation that has surfaced in recent weeks, it still hit the Chargers’ family hard.

“It’s tough because he’s been such a big part of our team for so long,” Cooper said. “With the talent that he had, he made guys strive to reach their best ability. The way he approached the game set an example and made everyone want to be better.”

Added Weddle, “It’s kind of surreal right now. You hear the talk, you hear the speculation but you don’t really believe it until it happens. LT has been one of the best backs to ever play this game and more importantly he’s been a great teammate and a great person.”