Football Daily

Born June 23, 1979 - Rosebud, Texas - LaDainian Tomlinson, the premier Texas Christian University running back from 1997 through the 2000 season was born.

According to the National Football Foundation, Tomlinson was voted as not only the 1999 WAC Offensive Player of the Year but was a unanimous First-Team All-American selection as a senior as well. Tomlinson led the nation in rushing in both 1999 with an outstanding 1,850 yards and in the 2000 season he even surpassed that adding 2,158 yards of Horned Frog ground yardage.  

He finished fourth in the voting for the 2000 Heisman Trophy. The all-time leading rusher in both conference and school history, Tomlinson set NCAA records for most yards in a half  with 287 and most yards in a game 406 in a big TCU win against UTEP in 1999. The College Football Hall of Fame proudly placed a display in honor of LaDainian Tomlinson into their legendary museum in 2014. The NFF bio on LaDainian goes on to state that he was selected as the fifth overall pick of the 2001 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers.

Tomlinson enjoyed a successful 11-year career with the Chargers and Jets. The 2006 NFL MVP twice led the league in rushing, and he finished his career fifth all-time in rushing yards with 13,684 and his 145 TD's ranked him second in career rushing scores. This five-time Pro Bowl selection and four-time All-Pro selection, was also named the Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2006.

LaDainian Tomlinson was a scoring machine who carved his name into the history books of American football. Drafted fifth overall by the San Diego Chargers in 2001, Tomlinson quickly became a fan favorite, earning the nickname "LT." His electrifying running style, powerful cuts, and knack for finding the end zone made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

During his nine seasons with the Chargers, Tomlinson amassed a collection of accolades. He was a five-time Pro Bowler, a three-time first-team All-Pro, and won two consecutive rushing titles in 2006 and 2007. However, it was in 2006 that he truly shone. Tomlinson not only shattered the NFL record for most touchdowns in a single season, reaching a staggering 31, but also won the coveted NFL Most Valuable Player award, cementing his status among the league's elite.

Tomlinson was not just a rushing powerhouse, but a versatile weapon on the field. He could catch passes out of the backfield, adding another layer to his offensive threat. This well-rounded skillset allowed him to amass over 18,000 yards from scrimmage, placing him among the all-time greats.

While his later years saw him move on to the New York Jets, his impact on the San Diego Chargers remained undeniable. He holds numerous franchise records, including most rushing yards and touchdowns. In 2017, his contributions were rightfully recognized with an induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

LaDainian Tomlinson's legacy goes beyond statistics. He was a dominant force on the field, an electrifying player to watch, and a key figure in the San Diego Chargers' history. His name will forever be synonymous with excellence in the running back position.

The Los Angeles Chargers, a franchise with a long and storied history, has a relatively small but distinguished list of retired jersey numbers. These numbers represent the pinnacle of achievement for players who have made extraordinary contributions to the team and the sport of football.

One of the most prominent retired jerseys is number 21, worn by the legendary running back LaDainian Tomlinson. LT was a dynamic player who excelled in both rushing and receiving, and his leadership on and off the field made him a beloved figure in San Diego. His impact on the Chargers and the NFL is undeniable.

Another retired number is number 55, which belonged to the late linebacker Junior Seau. Seau was a ferocious off ball linebacker who struck fear into the hearts of quarterbacks throughout the league. His relentless pursuit of excellence and his numerous accolades solidified his place as one of the greatest defensive players of all time.

These retired jerseys serve as a constant reminder of the great players who have worn the Chargers uniform. They inspire current and future generations of players to strive for excellence and leave their own mark on the team's legacy.

Here are the honored players and their numbers that are not issued in LA anymore:

-Jersey Number 14
Dan Fouts 1973–1987

-Jersey Number 18
Charlie Joiner 1976–1986

-Jersey Number 19
Lance Alworth 1962–1970

-Jersey Number 21
LaDainian Tomlinson 2001–2009

-Jersey Number 55
Junior Seau 1990–2002

-Jersey Number 80
Kellen Winslow 1979–1987


If you love football jersey designs and evolution, wait until you check out the History of American Football Jersey.

-Football Jersey Frequently Asked Questions

-What are American football jerseys made of? Modern jerseys are made of synthetic fibers such as polyester or a blend of different materials such as spandex. For more, check out our in-depth study of The Makeup and Materials of Football Jerseys.

-What NFL franchise(s) has/have the most retired jersey numbers? The Chicago Bears and the New York Giants each lead the league with 14 different numbers retired. They have to duplicate when 90-man rosters are in effect.

-When did football jerseys start having numbers on them? Though there was documented talk of it since 1894, players only wore digits in a 1905 Iowa State at Drake game. Check out more on this story The Origins Of Football Player Numbers.