LaDainian Tomlinson (born June 24, 1979) is an
American football player who currently plays running
back for the San Diego Chargers of the National
Football League. Tomlinson, frequently called "LT",
set several records during the 2006 NFL season by
scoring a league-leading 186 points. He received
additional honors by winning the NFL’s Most Valuable
Player Award and the Associated Press’ Offensive
Player of the Year Award.
LaDainian Tomlinson was born to Loreane Chappelle
and the late Oliver Tomlinson in Rosebud, Texas. His
early life was full of adversity; his brother and
grandfather passed away when he was a child, forced
to support the remaining members of the family by
himself. However before leaving, his father
instilled an affection for football in his son.
Tomlinson attended University High School in Waco,
Texas, where he played basketball, baseball, and
football. Tomlinson began his football career as a
linebacker, but blossomed on the offensive side of
the ball. Tomlinson amassed 2,554 yards and 39
touchdowns his senior year, earning honors as the
District 25-4A Most Valuable Player, Super Centex
Offensive Player of the Year.
Tomlinson was an avid Dallas Cowboys and Miami
Hurricanes fan during his youth. He especially
idolized Walter Payton, Jim Brown, and Emmitt
Smith.He trained with Smith during a summer camp. In
a later interview with ESPN, Tomlinson stated that
his playing style and mentality were influenced by
the three running backs.
