LaDainian Tomlinson: No Longer a Staple in San Diego Charger Football

The 5'10" 221-pound running back known as "L.T." to millions of NFL fans will not don a Chargers' bolt on his football helmet next year.

The San Diego Chargers and LaDainian Tomlinson will part ways, ending an era in Southern California football tradition.

Tomlinson's storied career as a Charger running back made him a household name for nearly a decade. Trailing only Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith in career touchdowns with 153, "L.T." has been compared to one of the best to ever carry a football—Barry Sanders of the Detroit Lions.

Tomlinson's 12,490 yards puts him eighth all-time in career rushing, accompanied with his 138 touchdowns on the ground—he's a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

The 2009-10 season was perhaps the straw that broke the camel's back for the Chargers front office, who contemplated releasing the versatile running back last season. Tomlinson had career-lows in both rushing yards (730), yards per carry (3.3), and touches (223).

A disagreement with his $2 million roster bonus and business practices has led "L.T." to show himself the door.

Tomlinson was perhaps the most explosive player to ever wear the powder blue. He could run the rock like a thoroughbred and take a screen pass to the house within a blink of the eye.

Needless to say, Tomlinson leads the Chargers franchise in nearly every offensive category.

Tomlinson made an immediate impact with San Diego when he was taken in the 2001 NFL Draft (fifth overall, TCU), rushing for 1,236 yards and raking in 10 touchdowns.

The former Horned Frog won the NFL's MVP award in 2006, his best year statistically. Tomlinson rushed for 1,815 yards, had 28 touchdowns, averaged 5.2 yards per touch, and posted 113 yards per game.

Where will Tomlinson land next?

With the NFL free agent market wide open, L.T. (and his agent) holds his destiny in his own hands.