LaDainian Tomlinson rightfully makes Hall of Fame on his 1st ballot

LaDainian Tomlinson dazzled fans and highlight reels for over a decade, and now he’s getting his due as one of the greatest running backs ever. The Pro Football Hall of Fame wasted little time recognizing his greatness, inducting Tomlinson into the 2017 class in his first year on the ballot, according to Mike Klis.

Tomlinson’s career started off on a rather modest note — he played college ball at TCU from 1997-2000, back when TCU was an also-ran in the now-defunct WAC, rather than a perennial contender in the Big 12. Still, Tomlinson put himself on the national map by leading the NCAA in rushing yards two straight years (1,974 in 1999, 2,158 in 2000).

Heading into the 2001 NFL Draft, Tomlinson was easily the best running back prospect on the board. The Chargers held the No. 1 overall pick and had a chance to select Michael Vick, but they made a bold move instead, trading with the Atlanta Falcons to move down to No. 5. The Falcons took Vick No. 1, while the Chargers went with Tomlinson at No. 5.

Drafting a running back so high is almost taboo these days, but Tomlinson immediately rewarded the Chargers’ investment by posting 1,236 yards and 10 touchdowns in his rookie year. He also had 59 catches, showing his versatility both on the ground and through the air. Tomlinson built on that rookie year to become a household name and NFL legend.

The peak of Tomlinson’s career came in the 2006 season. Just one year after Shaun Alexander set the record for total touchdowns, Tomlinson broke it with 31, while leading the league with 1,815 rushing yards. He won both the MVP and Offensive Player of Year awards that year, and was eventually named to the Hall of Fame All-2000s Team.

It’s safe to say the Chargers spotted Tomlinson’s versatility early on, and used it to build the offense around him. Tomlinson went on to become one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in football, shredding defenses from anywhere on the field. He had impeccable field vision, waiting patiently for blocks before bursting through a hole. He was nearly unstoppable in the open field, throwing ankle-breaking cuts and hitting second-gear speed before defenders even knew where he was. Tomlinson set a new standard for pass-catching running backs, helping pave the way for modern-day stars like Le’Veon Bell, David Johnson, and Ezekiel Elliott.

Tomlinson is one of the most iconic athletes in the history of San Diego football, and even while the Chargers prepare to move up north to Los Angeles, his on-field contributions will never be forgotten in San Diego. He earned his place in Canton, and belongs in the conversation of best RBs ever.