This day was going to come, and it is here - former TCU running back LaDainian Tomlinson will retire from the NFL on Monday after he signs a one-day contract with the San Diego Chargers.
He played 11 NFL seasons at a position where guys have a hard time lasting four or five. He finished his career with 13,684 rushing yards, and averaged 4.3 yards per carry.
There may not be a single more important player in the modern era for TCU than LT. As former teammate Aaron Schobel noted to me in an interview shortly after he retired last year, "LT is the guy built that thing."
LT is a lock for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but there is some sadness that he never reached a Super Bowl in his career with either the Chargers or Jets.
Of all the professional athletes I have ever had the chance to cover, LT may be the most decent, gentle and professional. He very much cared about his job, and took his responsibilities very seriously.
He also is very loyal to his alma mater, and prideful of Fort Worth.
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Loved that guy. Never thought he would make it as a pro. And 'wow' was I ever wrong. He is the pride of Fort Worth and was an incredible back in The Show for a long time.
Posted by: LT is The Man | 06/17/2012 at 02:13 PM
He is the class of TCU. He will be missed in The League.
Posted by: TB in Dallas | 06/17/2012 at 07:38 PM
My man! He was the best
Posted by: Reggie from Arlington | 06/17/2012 at 08:14 PM
I hope he comes back to Fort Worth and gets really involved with things. We need him back at the University. He was an amazing player!
Posted by: TCU #1 | 06/18/2012 at 07:47 AM
There is an absolutely iconic photo from LT's TCU days, of him blazing through a hole, looking *exactly* like a football version of "The Logo" i.e., Jerry West of the NBA. Never understood why TCU doesn't use that as promo material, it is one of the greatest football pics I've ever seen.
Posted by: "The" OSU | 06/18/2012 at 04:33 PM