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“This is a special, special day for me, just as it is for all Chargers fans. Few players, if any, have meant more to this franchise than LT. He was the heart and soul of this team through one of the most successful decades in our history. I couldn’t wait to watch him play because I knew I would see something special every week. And that’s what he gave all of us: special memories we’ll carry with us forever. And being here with him on the day he came into this league and again on the day he retires is another to add to the list.” – Dean Spanos, Chargers Chairmen of the Board
“Some guys you watch play and say, ‘I wonder if he will wind up in the Hall of Fame?’ LT answered that question a long time ago. He is one of the greatest and most versatile running backs to ever play the game. He helped this organization return to relevancy in the NFL and gave all of us a lot of exciting moments we’ll remember forever.” – A.J. Smith, Chargers General Manager
“I was fortunate to be with L.T. his rookie year. It was very evident that he was going to be a great player, a complete player with good fortune. He was going to have the career he had. There have been very few players in the NFL who have meant as much to their team as LT did during his career here. In particular, his MVP season in 2006. It would be hard to find a back who led the league in rushing and caught over 100 balls in separate seasons. It speaks volumes for his abilities and what he was capable of doing.” – Norv Turner, Chargers Head Coach
“There is no doubt L.T. is going to be regarded as one of the best backs to ever play. He’s a soon-to-be Hall of Famer. I feel very fortunate to have been his teammate and played with him for six years, four seasons as the starter. I have great memories as a player on the field, in practices, on game day, in the locker room, and as a friend. It was special having played with him because I always had the best view of anybody of all his runs. Handing the ball off to him and watching him run was the best seat in the house.” –
“To have blocked for LT was one of the real pleasures of my life. I will always remember him accelerating through, around, or over the line to wind up in the end zone hitting that ever so sweet finger roll.” –
“First off there is no question that LaDainian is a first ballot Hall of Famer. His contributions off the field to the community of San Diego are as important as what he did on the field. What he did on the field was monumental.” – Dan Fouts, NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback
“The performance that L.T. was able to put forth on the field during his career is truly remarkable. When you look at the history of the game, he is clearly, in my opinion, one of the handful of elite and complete running backs in the history of the National Football League. The numbers aside, he just brought a tremendous threat to every opponent. Not only did he have the ability to run the football but he also could catch it and gain yards after the catch. I think he posed considerable problems to every opponent because of his skill set, the versatility that he brought to his game. All of that pales in comparison to the quality of the young man. He is one of the finest young men I have ever been around in football or any area of my life.” - Marty Schottenheimer, Former Chargers Head Coach
“L.T. had a great desire to be the best in the league, and the best ever. He made a big run at trying to be that. He was like an innovator as far as that position is concerned. There were some guys that played every down, but I think the way he played, and the level that he played, he wasn’t coming out of the game ever. He could win a game on first and second down; he could win a game on third down, whether it was running the ball, pass protection or catching the ball out of the backfield. His numbers proved that. His level of play was so high both in the run game and the passing game. He’s a fun guy, happy-go-lucky and energetic.” – Ollie Wilson, Chargers Running Back Coach
“Nobody in the NFL carries the ball now the way LT did, nor carries the responsibility of the team on his shoulders the way this guy did. He is one of the few running backs in history that could literally take over a game, despite what might have been happening around him. L.T. gave every ounce of his talent and heart into this game, and we are all better for having had the opportunity to be around him and be a part of his storied career. I will tell my kids and my grandkids that I had the pleasure of handing that ball off to him for 5 years, and that I wouldn't be where I am without the confidence he helped give me as we worked through some tough times together. A true professional, a dedicated warrior, and the best teammate and friend you can find.” – Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints Quarterback
“LaDainian Tomlinson represented the NFL as an incredibly exciting player and outstanding young man who believed so strongly in helping other people. LaDainian’s skill and passion for the game earned him numerous honors for his performance on the field. I was fortunate to be able to get to know LT and his wife LaTorsha when he was named a co-winner of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award for his tireless work in the community. His achievements, leadership, and example will continue to inspire those in the NFL and beyond long after this day. We know he will continue to be successful and look forward to supporting LaDainian, LaTorsha, and their family in the next phase of their journey.” – Roger Goodell, NFL Commissioner
“LaDainian has had a tremendous impact on the league, not only as a player but also as a person with great character and it shows by the respect his peers have for him and how well known he is to the public. He accomplished many great things as a player, but I don’t know of any player recently who has left the game with as much admiration and respect from his peers as LT enjoys. And that might be an athlete’s most cherished accomplishment. “ – Emmitt Smith, NFL Hall of Fame Running Back
“LT changed the way the running back is looked at. You think about him being a complete three-down back and using that as a receiver as well. You hadn’t seen that many backs have that type of versatility. He was one of those backs that you had to get in position on all downs on the ball. I think that’s the way he really changed the game.” – Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens Linebacker
“LaDainian had a tremendous impact on the NFL in his career. He was the prototype that everybody wanted their running back to be like…. LaDainian was tough to defend. I wish I had the honor to play with him on a football team, other than the Pro Bowl teams. He’s a legend of this game.” – Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers Safety
“When he was on, he was impossible to defend, because he had the quickness and he also had power. He is also hard to find. When we talk about all-around running backs, guys who can play third downs, a lot of the running backs these days are only first and second down backs, but LaDainian was a back that could play first, second and third down and do them all well. He was never off the field. So he really just raised the bar for the running back position.” – Dwight Freeney, Indianapolis Colts Defensive End
