Former Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson and Tom Brady had a number of fierce matchups when Tomlinson played in San Diego. But it seems Tomlinson has long buried any hard feelings from that rivalry.
He was very open to the idea of Brady potentially joining the Los Angeles Chargers next offseason, if the New England Patriots quarterback hits free agency in 2020. Brady’s contract is set to expire after this season.
“I would be honored to have a guy of Tom’s pedigree, his intellect, his championship mettle to come lead our organization,” Tomlinson told Patriots Wire on Thursday during a call in promotion for Mission Tiger and The DICK’S Sporting Goods Foundation Sports Matter. “He’d really show young guys how to get it done, what it’s like to be a champion. And so if Tom wants to come to the sunshine, I’m sure Gisele would love that. I think we would all love that.”
There’s nothing substantial reported about Brady leaving for L.A. But a few dots have lined up. Quarterback Philip Rivers seems on the verge of retirement, and, at the least, has an expiring contract at the end of 2019. The Chargers boast an impressive group of skill players that could help elevate Brady’s game. And L.A. seems to be the perfect market for Brady to promote the TB12 Method, a health and fitness brand based around helping athletes reach peak performance.
But, of course, Tomlinson seems to prefer the idea that Rivers, the running back’s former quarterback, stays in L.A. Tomlinson was asked what the Chargers could do with Rivers in the 2020 offseason.
“That’s going to depend upon Philip Rivers, if he wants to play,” Tomlinson said. “I think there will be a young quarterback coming in next year. But I do believe the Chargers are going to want Philip Rivers back for another year to help mentor a young quarterback. When you have a guy like Philip, who has done so much and has been the consummate professional, been the face of the organization for quite some time, you want a quarterback to be able to look at a guy like Philip to see what it’s like to be a professional, to see how it’s done. I think there’s a lot of benefit for Philip coming back. But as I said, it depends upon Philip. I know he wants to coach in high school. And his kids are getting older, so I think he has to make that decision.”
Rivers’ Chargers have disappointed in 2019 with a 5-8 record through 14 weeks. He is completing 65.1 percent of his passes for 3,748 yards, 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. It’s telling that neither Brady nor Rivers have contracts beyond this season.
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