LaDainian Tomlinson has ended the long-running saga over his future by signing a new restructured contract with the San Diego Chargers.
Star running back ends future confusion by staying with Chargers
LaDainian Tomlinson has ended the long-running saga over his future by signing a new restructured contract with the San Diego Chargers.
LT's future in San Diego became uncertain when the team opted to franchise speedy running back and kick returner Darren Sproles, while trying to restructure Tomlinson's deal.
With the 2006 NFL MVP being due nearly $7 million in 2009, the Chargers needed to reduce that amount to give them some breathing space beneath the salary cap.
The Chargers knew they ran the risk of forcing their star rusher out of the team with their restructuring plans, but now the two parties have agreed on a contract that keeps LT in San Diego until 2011.
"This is a good day for the Chargers and for Chargers fans," said Chargers president Dean Spanos in a statement released by the team.
Important
"It was important to me to get this done so LT could continue his career here in San Diego where he means so much to our team, our fans and our community. The alternative was just unthinkable. He belongs in San Diego."
Although LT turns 30 this year, and did see some downturn in his production last season, he is still one of the best in the game and general manager AJ Smith was delighted and relieved to keep him with the team.
"The way I'm looking at it, LT has helped us on the field and now he's gone a step further and he's helped us off the field," Smith told The Associated Press.
"I'm just happy that it worked out. I felt comfortable that it had a chance. We wanted him back, he wanted to come back. Everything was as smooth as it can be in negotiations."
For the second successive season injury cut short Tomlinson's post-season, and although he ran for 1100 yards, it was the lowest output in his spell-binding eight-year career in the NFL.
LT sacrifice
Tomlinson has made some financial sacrifices in order to remain with the team he loves, and he is now relieved to have put the situation to bed.
"I love San Diego and being a part of this team with my team-mates," said Tomlinson. "My No. 1 priority was to stay here in San Diego.
"I truly believe this is the place that gives me the best chance to be successful and win a championship. I want to finish the job we started when I got here eight years ago. My heart has always been in San Diego. I couldn't imagine putting on another uniform.
"I really appreciate the role Dean (Spanos) played throughout this process. He made it work for everyone, and I appreciate his friendship more than he knows."
Although he may not reproduce the 31 touchdowns and 1,815 yards of his MVP season, with LT and Sproles in combination the Chargers will still have one of the more devastating running games in the league.
