San Diego have confirmed the release of superstar running back LaDainian Tomlinson after nine seasons with the Chargers.
Star running back leaves San Diego after nine years as a Charger
San Diego confirmed it was the end of an era on Monday after they released superstar running back LaDainian Tomlinson after nine seasons with the Chargers.
Since being drafted in 2001 Tomlinson has become one of the best running backs ever to grace the NFL, but he has been in noticeable decline over the last two seasons and will now be moving on.
With Tomlinson being 30, and due a $2 million bonus in early March, it was widely expected that his time was up in San Diego, and the team have now confirmed the news.
"This is a part of the business that I hate, and it's particularly hard when you're dealing with someone I consider a friend," Chargers president Dean Spanos said in a statement.
"Change involving great players is never easy. I respect L.T as much or more than any player I've ever known. And no one appreciates his contributions to this organisation more than I do. That is why this is such a difficult announcement for me to make."
All-time
The eighth-ranked rusher of all-time in the NFL, Tomlinson had been the backbone of the Chargers for years, but last season they switched focus to the passing game as he had career lows in yards, carries and yards per carry.
A five-time Pro Bowler, Tomlinson was the NFL's top rusher in 2006 and 2007, and was league MVP in 06 after setting records of 31 touchdowns and 186 points in a season.
"I was fortunate to be the offensive coordinator here during L.T's rookie year in 2001, and it didn't take long to realise that we were dealing with a special player and a special individual," added coach Norv Turner.
"And when I returned to the Chargers in 2007, I was proud to be a part of his second NFL rushing title."
Tomlinson has not been able to fire the Chargers into a Super Bowl though, despite the talent on their roster, and their latest upset defeat against the New York Jets last season was another disappointment.
The player himself still believes he can play on for a few more seasons, and add to his 12,490 career yards and 138 rushing TDs, which ranks second on the all-time list.
"He's a future Hall of Famer," said general manager A.J Smith. "My only regret is that he leaves San Diego without a Super Bowl ring."
