LaDainian Tomlinson is approaching immortality.
This Saturday, the former Chargers running back will likely be voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the final exclamation point on one of the greatest careers in NFL history — and another ceremonial send-off for the franchise’s time in San Diego
Tomlinson isn’t entirely sure how he’ll react if it happens, but described the possibility as both singular and humbling.
“I’m trying to block it out,” he said in a phone interview. “But I’ll tell you, as the day gets closer, I find myself thinking about that moment: ‘What would it feel like? What would it be like?’ You can’t get any higher than being a Hall of Famer. You can’t be any greater. Your race as a football player is over at that point. You are legendary.”
One of 15 finalists, Tomlinson is widely regarded as the front-runner in a group that also includes former Chargers coach Don Coryell — a fourth-time finalist in his 30th year of eligibility — as well as former Rams quarterback Kurt Warner and receiver Isaac Bruce.
The case for Tomlinson can be backed up by both the height and breadth of his resume. He is one of three running backs to win NFL MVP since 2000, setting a single-season record with 31 touchdowns in 2006. All but three of those scores came on the ground, a mark that could stand for decades if NFL offenses remain tilted toward the air. Since Tomlinson’s record-setting year, only seven players have topped 15 touchdown runs in one season. No one has managed more than 18.
Tomlinson also averaged more than 2,000 yards from scrimmage through his first seven seasons, and ranks third in NFL history with 162 career scores, behind only Jerry Rice (208) and Emmitt Smith (175).
The 37-year-old has been in Houston all week due to his work as an NFL Network analyst, but he’s since been joined by others: family members arrived on Wednesday, and friends on Thursday, numbering around 20 in total. The setting is perhaps appropriate: The city is less than three hours from Rosebud, where he grew up before starring at University High in Waco and earning a scholarship to TCU.
But if he earns a spot in Canton, his entry could be something to celebrate for San Diegans still reeling from relocation. After the Chargers officially announced their move to Los Angeles earlier this month, many longtime fans sore off both the team and the league. When quarterback Philip Rivers participated in the Pro Bowl, he said he did so in part to give himself and the fans closure.
Like Rivers, Tomlinson spoke glowingly of his time in America’s Finest City, reminiscing about not only his accomplishments on the field but community outreach such as annual turkey drives and toy drives.
“That city pretty much raised me into the man I am today,” he said. “In the critical years of my professional life, that city helped me mold into what I became.”
He could be the last San Diego Charger to enter the Hall of Fame. Coryell, who died in 2010, has a chance too, as does Rivers after he eventually retires. But neither is as sure a bet to do so as Tomlinson, who will likely join Junior Seau and Dan Fouts as first-ballot selections.
“To be possibly last, it’s somewhat sad,” Tomlinson said. “You never want to be the last. It’s great to be the first, but you never want to be last. That signifies the end of something. If that’s the case, I hope this is one last hurrah that the San Diego fans will be able to cheer for.”
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