Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsTuesday, June 23, 2026

LaDainian Tomlinson Will Retire After Signing With Chargers, According To Report

LaDainian Tomlinson has reportedly resigned with the San Diego Chargers to retire with the team that drafted him, ending the career of one of history’s greatest running backs.

After completing his two-year contract with the New York Jets and not receiving much free agent interest, future Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson is saying goodbye to the NFL, according to a report.

Tomlinson wasn't asked to stay by Jets management after Joe McKnight emerged as capable of serving in the third-down role in which Tomlinson had largely been used in his time there.

He didn't help himself by fanning the flames of the locker-room blowup that seemed to derail the Jets' season and criticizing the decision-makers' handling of Mark Sanchez. He also went on record that the bounty scandal that has decimated the Saints organization and dominated offseason headlines is "part of the game," also an ill-advised move for a soon-to-be-33-year-old free agent running back with more mileage on his wheels than anyone else in the league.

So, it appears the storied career of Tomlinson is over. He finishes second on the all-time list in career rushing touchdowns with 145, fifth in rushing yards with 13,684 and fifth in attempts with 3,174. He also had 624 career receptions, behind only Marshall Faulk among tailbacks.


Follow @sbnation | Like SB Nation on Facebook | Subscribe to SB Nation YouTube


See More:

More in NFL

NFL
WNFC championship game airing Sunday, June 21st from Ford Center in FriscoWNFC championship game airing Sunday, June 21st from Ford Center in Frisco
NFL

The Women’s National Football Conference Championship will air on ESPN2 this weekend.

By RJ Ochoa
From SBNationExternal Link
Which fictional quarterback would you have lead your team?Which fictional quarterback would you have lead your team?
From SBNationExternal Link
By James Dator
NFL
Best bets for 2026 NFL Offensive Rookie of the YearBest bets for 2026 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
NFL

There are some good longer-shot options on offensive side of ball for the NFL’s Rookie of the Year.

By Bill Williamson
NFL
Brendan Sorsby is a rare chance to get a top QB cheap, and these teams should go inBrendan Sorsby is a rare chance to get a top QB cheap, and these teams should go in
NFL

This is a no-brainer for some NFL teams.

By James Dator
NFL
Fernando Mendoza has great respect for the Raiders that came before himFernando Mendoza has great respect for the Raiders that came before him
NFL

Fernando Mendoza has great respect for the Raiders that came before him

By RJ Ochoa
NFL
Brendan Sorsby intends to enter NFL Supplemental Draft, per reportsBrendan Sorsby intends to enter NFL Supplemental Draft, per reports
NFL

Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby is entering the NFL Supplemental Draft, per reports

By Mark Schofield