LaDainian Tomlinson: Jets RB Deserves More in Possible Final Season

Heading into Week 17, the New York Jets are on the outside looking in on the AFC playoff picture.

And five-time Pro Bowler LaDainian Tomlinson deserves better.

Tomlinson is no longer the same running back he once was when he started his career off with eight straight seasons of 1,000 rushing yards or more. He's become a bit player.

But you would have thought the Jets could have made the playoffs this season, and that's looking unlikely at the moment.

Tomlinson acknowledged the possibility of Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins being his last game, via Pro Football Talk:

"

“Yes, there is definitely a thought that this could be because you never know how things shake out. For me, it just depends on the situation. I’ve said that before. I would love to keep playing, but if the situation is not right, then I won’t. This possibly could be my last game.”

"

Tomlinson has rushed for 13,628 yards and 145 touchdowns in his 11-year career. He's also racked up 4,749 receiving yards and 17 receiving touchdowns.

He was the superstar on the San Diego Chargers in his first nine seasons before moving to New York, considered one of the great running backs in the game.

The Jets have not only disappointed their fans this season, they fail in possibly sending Tomlinson home on a down note. If they weren't expected to make the playoffs it would be one thing, but their own head coach, Rex Ryan, proclaimed they would win the Super Bowl this season.

The Jets deserve credit for keeping Tomlinson on board given his age, but he was owed more for what he did for the NFL, and it's a shame his career could end early due to the Jets' failures.