LaDainian Tomlinson

LaDainian Tomlinson has been a staple in the San Diego Chargers backfield for almost a decade.
He was usually the first pick in fantasy football up until a couple years ago.
And now, he is unemployed.
Tomlinson has had a stellar career, not only as a rusher, but also as a receiver. He would routinely put up 125 yards rushing and 75 yards receiving. He was the complete back.

As a football purest, Tomlinson was one of those guys that I wanted to see finish his career with the same team that he started with. Unfortunately, that is not going to happen.

You have to assume there will be a number of teams that will want him, but I am afraid that with the way he played, there just isn't a whole lot left on the tires. He is gonna go down as one of the greatest backs of all time, but even Emmitt Smith had to finish in Arizona.

How ironic would it be to see Tomlinson in Arizona as the back up to Beanie Wells?

So, where exactly does that put Tomlinson? Where will he play next year? He could go home to the Texans. He would be a great influence on their younger players. But, I also think that at this stage in his career, he would want to play for a championship contender.

Colts? Saints? Patriots? Cowboys? The Colts and Patriots could use a runner, and they both know what he can do in the playoffs, but I just don't know.

I loved watching him play at TCU and then San Diego, but he has clearly lost a couple of steps. He can be a decent runner, but only in spurts. He is going to have to swallow his pride and be a back up on a contender, or go to a lousy team (Washington) to start.

I know it is not my decision, but I hope for him to choose the contender, because I would love to see him in a Super Bowl.

This is the way of the new NFL. We love you, but you gotta go. The league is getting younger and younger, and teams are going to two and three back rotations. That is the main reason I think he will catch on somewhere. My gut says the Patriots, but if the Cowboys trade Choice or trade or cut Barber, I could see Jerry Jones signing Tomlinson.

He is one of the greats, and it is a shame he will have to play next year in another uniform.

But welcome to the NFL.

Thanks.
John Conner
jpconner9@yahoo.com