Tomlinson celebrates release of "Scream LT" shoe

Thursday, Jun 15, 2006
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com

Wednesday was a day that was supposed to be about LaDainian Tomlinson, but the Chargers’ three-time Pro Bowl running back instead made it about a group of people dear to his heart, San Diego’s youth. 

Tomlinson celebrated the release of his first shoe, Nike’s “Scream L.T.” at the Kids Footlocker in Fashion Valley Mall.  To help commemorate the day, Tomlinson’s “Touching Lives Foundation” hosted 60 kids from the Jackie Robinson YMCA, the San Diego Boys & Girls Club and the Ronald McDonald House.  Each of L.T.’s guests received a complimentary pair of the shoes courtesy of Nike.

“Ever since Michael Jordan came out with his, every athlete has kind of dreamed of having their own shoe,” Tomlinson said.  “In reality, I didn’t think it would ever happen.  Now seeing them in stores is a tremendous honor.  I really wanted to make the kids the focus today.”

The training shoe is available in kid’s sizes only.  Tomlinson had a significant voice in the design.  The shoe is white with blue trim and gold stitching and features L.T.’s 21 on the heel and his initials on the tongue.  A replica of Tomlinson’s autograph can be found on the side of the shoe and “Play with Passion” is inscribed inside the shoe.  It is available now in retail stores for approximately $50.

“It’s a good looking shoe,” Tomlinson said.  “I’m really pleased with the job Nike did of putting our ideas together to come up with a nice product.”

At the release event, A.J. from San Diego’s 93.3 Radio hosted a question and answer period in which the youngsters had the opportunity to interact with Tomlinson.  L.T. also used the forum to encourage the kids to focus on education and chase their dreams.

“L.T. does an outstanding job at reaching out to kids,” said Nike Program Manager Zach Hull.  “He’s one of the best in the NFL in that area.  When it came time to do an event with him, it was important to both us and L.T. that the kids were involved.  It’s an honor for us to align ourselves with LaDainian and the great work he does on and off the field.”

At the conclusion of the event, Nike made a $5,000 donation to the Touching Lives Foundation.  The funds will be used to allow kids to attend one of Tomlinson’s free football camps, help purchase school supplies for his annual drive, help feed needy families during the holiday season and assist in LT's School is Cool Scholarship program.

Tomlinson held his San Diego camp in April and is now preparing for Camp L.T. in Ft. Worth, Texas, which will be held June 26-28, and Camp L.T. in Waco from June 29-July 2.