Sorry LaDainian Tomlinson, But it's Time to Leave San Diego

What goes up, must come down.

LaDainian Tomlinson used to be one of the most feared running backs in the league.  He's a five time Pro Bowl selection, and an MVP.  LT is also a man that has come to the end of his career with the San Diego Chargers.

At the start of what looked like an unpromising season, LaDainian Tomlinson was for once not the talking point of the San Diego Chargers. That spot belonged to Phillip Rivers. Many Charger fans were hoping for a Super Bowl winning season, and on paper they looked like they could do it.

Every position was nearly filled; Norv Turner was ready and Qualcomm stadium had a new buzz about it that even the smallest fans of the NFL could see. Yes, it was going to be San Diego's season. The Lombardi Trophy, this time, was finally going to come to San Diego.

Wrong. The bubble was burst, the Chargers choked and Norv Turner found his butt on the hot seat where it belonged.

Now though, there is a bigger issue that NFL fans are squabbling over. With Kurt Warner announcing his retirement today, and several other top caliber stars set to determine their retirement or free agency future in a  matter of months, LaDainian Tomlinson has been the quietest of the group. Not discussing, not hinting and not leading on, Tomlinson has left his future in the hands of the speculators. 

Tomlinson has provided some great seasons for the Chargers, but sadly they've been tossed aside. Almost like an old sponge, he's been used, done his job and has now gone kind of stale and moldy. 

Not to fear though, there is still plenty of life left in this once prolific back that could get the job done more so than any other guy in the league. With teams looking toward the draft for a running back, maybe LaDainian could be the prospect that they needed.

I'm not hinting that Tomlinson is washed up, but his time with San Diego is done. It's time to move on. Find another home. God knows there are 31 other teams in the league that wouldn't think twice about signing No. 21.  Let me make this clear though: if LT does turn out to be a free agent, it will be a crying shame on the NFL's part if he struggles to find a team. We've seen what happened to Shaun Alexander, and if Tomlinson is to feel the same pain, then the league is in a state of concern. For a great back to struggle to sign with even the weakest of teams, well, it will mark a very sad day indeed.

If only NFL players came with expiration dates, it would save us all a lot of trouble. But then again, writers wouldn't have a job either.

You can't change what has happened, and you can't rewind LT's career.  Hell, LT may not even want to leave San Diego at all.

You can, however, give him a new home. A fresh start. A new beginning that would give us NFL fans something to admire.