LaDanian Tomlinson Made $560,969 Per Touchdown in 2009? Say What?

This article has been created for the simple reason of simplicity; that being, in the NFL simplicity does not exit. 

I pondered the thought about taking some of the best paid running backs in 2009 and attempting to examine their productivity versus pay scale.

While comparing the 2009 salary to yardage and touchdowns is primitive, it does offer us a glimpse into the world of dollars and cents.  A world where, if you based a salary solely on yards gained and scoring points, the following would happen.

A world where team owners can basically assess how their money is working on the field.

This is the first in a series of articles that will attempt to provide a black and white outlook at productivity versus salary. 

Today we begin with running backs.

I would like to say this before we even begin. I do agree that this type of examination can be misleading because running backs provide more than just yardage and touchdowns. They sacrifice their mind, body, and soul to play the game.

Nevertheless, this was just too much fun to pass up.

Some players on this list did experience some set backs or injuries throughout the 2009 season. I believe that it doesn’t affect their numbers all that much; frankly, if they were healthy enough to play they would have amassed more yards. If they are hurt, they still get paid.

Let the games begin!

#	Player	2009 Salary	2009 Yds	2009 TD	$ Per Yd	$ Per TD
1	Maurice Jones-Drew	$13,100,000	1,886	16	$  6,946	$        818,750
2	Brandon Jacobs	$11,506,110	1,019	6	$11,292	$     1,917,685
3	Reggie Bush	$  7,089,940	855	8	$  8,292	$        886,243
4	LaDanian Tomlinson	$  6,731,630	884	12	$  7,615	$        560,969
5	Darren Sproles	$  6,627,630	2,323	8	$  2,853	$        828,454
6	Steven Jackson	$  5,507,280	1,738	4	$  3,169	$     1,376,820
7	Darren McFadden	$  5,391,760	602	1	$  8,956	$     5,391,760
8	Knowshon Moreno	$  5,080,000	1,160	9	$  4,379	$        564,444
9	Derrick Ward	$  5,006,760	559	3	$  8,957	$     1,668,920
10	Rashard Mendenhall	$  4,801,240	1,377	8	$  3,487	$        600,155

Be sure to check back for the NFL’s top paid wide receivers.