On June 17, the Chargers announced Tomlinson will sign a ceremonial contract with the team to retire as a player for the San Diego Chargers.
Tomlinson began his football career in high school, as a linebacker and was later recruited by many schools, but he was not considered one of the nation's top running backs coming out of high school. He ultimately signed with Texas Christian University and in his senior season in 2000, Tomlinson led the NCAA for the second time with 2,158 yards and 22 touchdowns. The school retired his jersey number (5) and in December of that year he kept a promise to his mother by earning his degree in Communications from TCU.
In 2001, LaDainian Tomlinson was drafted in the first round by San Diego and became one of the biggest stars in team history.
Tomlinson won the MVP in 2006, when he set NFL single season records with 31 touchdowns, including 28 rushing, and 186 points. He ran for a career-high 1,815 yards that year, giving him the first of two straight league rushing titles.
Tomlinson finishes his career with 13, 684 yards and 145 touchdowns.
When the Chargers released him in February 2010, quarterback Philip Rivers said: ''I had the best view in the house on some of those awesome runs he made.''
He spent the first nine years of his career in San Diego and played the last two seasons with the New York Jets. However, he plans to retire with the team that drafted him, ending his career of one of history's greatest running backs.
Tomlinson stated recently that he might continue his career if the right opportunity was available.
