LT Released!..

**R13** · February 22nd, 2010, 05:23 PM

The San Diego Chargers released halfback LaDainian Tomlinson Monday afternoon, according to a source.

LaDainian Tomlinson
Tomlinson

Tomlinson played nine seasons in San Diego, but at the age of 30 and with declining numbers, Tomlinson has been anticipating his release for the past month.

Tomlinson rushed for 12,490 yards in nine seasons and rushed for 138 touchdowns during his career in San Diego. He caught 530 passes and scored 15 touchdowns through the air.

A former first-round pick, Tomlinson rushed for only 730 yards in 14 games last season and had a 3.3 yard- rushing average. He struggled on first down during the Chargers playoff loss to the New York Jets.

Still, the Tomlinson years were some of the best in Chargers history. Tomlinson immediately established himself as a star during a rookie season in 2001 when he rushed for 1,236 yards and scored 10 touchdowns. His ability to run, make big plays and score touchdowns helped allow quarterbacks Drew Brees and Philip Rivers to develop into Pro Bowl stars.

The Chargers reworked Tomlinson's contract last offseason to give him one more chance to re-establish himself as a top running back. He was scheduled to get a $2 million bonus in March and a $3 million base salary under the restructured contract.

At 30, Tomlinson will have to find a new team to restart his career.

Source: LaDainian Tomlinson released by Chargers after 9 years - ESPN

**starbuck** · February 22nd, 2010, 05:46 PM

I think he still has some to give but as a 2nd punch in a 1-2 punch system. as a back of the age of 30 or over it will be tough for him to get a deal he wants. in fact he will not get what he wants and we will see if he wants to play the game or not. Bettis was smart, knew his year time was about up and took the reduced roll in Pittsburgh and made the best of it. LT in the right place without an ego can still be a good back, not a great one that we are use to seeing. that will be something the fans have to get over and accept him as an average back today, not the star of 5 years ago.

**sup-rbeast** · February 23rd, 2010, 01:44 PM

He could still be a feature back if he wasn't such a wuss..... The reason San Diego hasn't won a ring is because the toughest player on the team (and the only one I have any respect for) is the QB... Like him or not, Rivers will play with injuries. The same can't be said for the rest of that team's personnel

**Rocky** · February 23rd, 2010, 06:31 PM

Originally Posted by sup-rbeast

He could still be a feature back if he wasn't such a wuss..... The reason San Diego hasn't won a ring is because the toughest player on the team (and the only one I have any respect for) is the QB... Like him or not, Rivers will play with injuries. The same can't be said for the rest of that team's personnel

as a san diego fan, i cant agree with you any more. i will miss LT but his time was definitely passed.

**R13** · February 23rd, 2010, 07:47 PM

Westbrook get's released too, they're talking about Thomas being next.

**UTVols2** · February 24th, 2010, 03:59 PM

Yep Jets have a decision to make. They can resign Leon or give TJ a 3+ million dollar roster bonus. With Greene emerging late in the season as a go to back I think they will keep Leon Washington instead of TJ for that change of pace back.

Sad to say TJ will be moving again.

**burton2019** · February 24th, 2010, 04:04 PM

TJ will be released IMO.

**starbuck** · February 24th, 2010, 05:54 PM

will be a big mistake in my opinion. from a money point of view I can see it but from a team standpoint it will be a mistake. He brings so much to a team. It is like Ray Lewis. He isn't the player he once was but what he brings in terms of leadership and that "it" thing you can't place a value on it if they are still producing.

sad but probably will move again but not the best move the Jets could make.