San Diego Chargers President Dean Spanos announced today a new three-year contract with running back LaDainian Tomlinson through 2011. Tomlinson’s old contract also was through 2011.
“This is a good day for the Chargers and for Chargers fans,” saidSpanos. “It was important to me to get this done so LT could continuehis career here in San Diego where he means so much to our team, ourfans and our community. The alternative was just unthinkable. Hebelongs in San Diego.”
“I love San Diego and being a part of this team with myteammates,” said Tomlinson. “My number-one priority was to stay here inSan Diego. I truly believe this is the place that gives me the bestchance to be successful and win a championship. I want to finish thejob we started when I got here eight years ago. My heart has alwaysbeen in San Diego. I couldn’t imagine putting on another uniform.
“I really appreciate the role Dean played throughout this process.He made it work for everyone, and I appreciate his friendship more thanhe knows.”
The NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 2006 and a five-time Pro Bowlselection, Tomlinson rushed for 1,110 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2008.His play down the stretch was critical in the team capturing itsthird-straight AFC West title. His three-touchdown performance againstDenver in the ’08 regular-season finale catapulted the Chargers in tothe playoffs. Tomlinson suffered a groin injury however in the playoffsand was severely limited.
Tomlinson’s NFL career has Hall of Fame written all over it. He’sthe only player in league history to start his career witheight-straight seasons of 10-or-more rushing touchdowns and he’s thethird to start it with eight-or-more 1,000-yard seasons. He capturedthe NFL’s MVP Award in ’06 following a record-breaking season, one inwhich he shattered the NFL marks for points (186), rushing touchdowns(28) and total touchdowns (31), while racking up a career-best 1,815yards. A year earlier in 2005, Tomlinson tied an NFL record by scoringa touchdown in 18 consecutive games, including a record 14-straightgames with a rushing touchdown.
Tomlinson owns or holds a share of 28 team records. The NFL’s 14thall-time leading rusher with 11,760 yards, he ranks second all-time inNFL rushing touchdowns (126) and he’s tied for fourth in totaltouchdowns (141).
Tomlinson’s reach in San Diego extends well beyond the footballfield. The NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2006 for his work inthe community, LT and his wife, LaTorsha, are founders of the TomlinsonTouching Lives Foundation. The foundation hosts events throughout theyear, including youth football camps in San Diego and Texas, a golftournament, a Thanksgiving program in which they provide more than2,100 San Diego families with complete holiday dinners and a Christmasprogram in which they give away more than 1,500 holiday gifts to thepatients at San Diego’s Children’s Hospital and Health Center. At eachChargers’ home game, LT hosts “The 21 Club,” where he invites 21 kidsfrom San Diego youth groups and nonprofit organizations to attend agame. After the game, LT invites the children down to the field wherethey get a one-on-one visit with their football hero.
