San Diego Chargers to Retire LaDainian Tomlinson’s #21
The San Diego Chargers have announced that the team will retire its all-time rushing leaders’ number. In a press release sent out on Wednesday, the team informed fans that LaDainian Tomlinson will be inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame and have his number 21 retired. The ceremony is scheduled to take place on NBC’s Sunday Night, November 22, at halftime of the Chargers-Chiefs game.
Chargers to retire LaDainian Tomlinson's number. LT to enter Chargers HOF. #Honor21
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) June 10, 2015
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After being drafted fifth overall in 2001, Tomlinson went on to be one of the greatest running backs in not just Chargers history, but in the NFL. He currently sits fifth on the NFL’s all-time rushing yard list with 13,684 yards, with over 12,000 of those coming from his time on the Chargers. He also has over 1,000 yards from his two-season tender with the New York Jets. He currently holds 28 Chargers records, including career rushing yards, rushing touchdowns in a season and total touchdowns.
“This is a special, special opportunity for the Chargers family and all Chargers fans,” said Chargers Chairman Dean Spanos. “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 every week because I knew I would see something special. And that’s what he gave all of us: special memories we’ll carry with us forever.”
Tomlinson will become just the fourth player in the Chargers 56-year history to have his number retired. He joins Lance Alworth, Dan Fouts and the late Junior Seau in an elite fraternity of former Chargers players.
The highest honor a team can bestow.
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) June 10, 2015
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2️⃣1️⃣#Honor21 pic.twitter.com/GExTK8D3gj
The running backs’ illustrious career also includes various team and league awards. Tomlinson was a five-time Pro Bowl selection, three-time first-team All-Pro, two-time second-team All-Pro and runner-up for the AP’s Offensive Rookie of the Year Award in 2001. In 2006, Tomlinson was named the Associated Press’ NFL Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year. In the same year, he was named the Walter Payton co-NFL Man of the Year and the runner-up as the AP’s Male Athlete of the Year.