Chargers legend LaDainian Tomlinson will go down as one of the greatest players to walk through the franchise’s doors.
Tomlinson, who put together a polished career in the blue and gold, is now working as an analyst for NFL Network.
Recently, Tomlinson along with eight other former players and current analysts for the outlet reflected on their playing days, sharing the best decisions that they made and their biggest regrets.
Tomlinson said that the best decision that he made was signing with the Jets the year after he posted a career-low 730 rushing yards.
“The following offseason, I knew it was time to leave San Diego and start a new chapter in my career,” Tomlinson said. “The best decision I could have made was signing with the New York Jets at that time. I was able to bounce back with a good season.
I helped my team get to the AFC Championship Game. I was featured in a national commercial. That season justified my decision to join Rex Ryan and the Jets — forgoing a deal with Minnesota — and that was a great feeling.”
By no surprise, Tomlinson said that his biggest regret was not be able to hold up the Lombardi Trophy during his professional career. Even though the Chargers made five postseason appearances, including the AFC Championship in 2007, they were unable to reach the Super Bowl.
“So many things have to go right to win a team championship, and injuries seemed to pop up at the wrong time,” Tomlinson said. “I realize that winning a title isn’t technically a decision, but it’s the one thing that eluded my football career.”
Tomlinson’s nine seasons with the Chargers included eight consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and five Pro Bowl selections. He holds a handful of franchise career records, including rushing yards (12,490), rushing touchdowns (138), total touchdowns (153) and yards from scrimmage (16,445).