SAN DIEGO: LaDainian Tomlinson will retire from the NFL as a member of the San Diego Chargers.
The Chargers said yesterday that Tomlinson, who was the NFL MVP in 2006 with San Diego and is the fifth-leading rusher in league history, will re-sign with the team on Monday and then announce his retirement.
Tomlinson was drafted in the first round by San Diego in 2001 and spent the first nine years of his career with the Chargers. He played the last two seasons with the Jets.
Tomlinson had said recently that he might continue his career if the right opportunity was available. Some fans hoped the Chargers would bring back Tomlinson as a third-down back, but that appeared impossible as long as general manager A.J. Smith is in control.
Tomlinson, one of the biggest stars in Chargers history, had a less-than-smooth separation with San Diego in February 2010. While his production had fallen off and injuries were mounting, he had a public tiff with Smith. The GM even mocked the star running back at one point when Tomlinson said he’d like to finish his career in San Diego.
Days after his release from the Chargers, Tomlinson held a tearful news conference at the suburban country club where he and his wife lived.
Tomlinson finishes his career with 13,684 yards and 145 touchdowns.
