LaDainian Tomlinson: 10 Reasons New York Jets RB Has Played His Last NFL Down
LaDainian Tomlinson isn't getting any younger. His role as a New York Jet for 2011 has yet to be determined and that doesn't sit well with him.
Tomlinson does not want to be sitting on the bench the whole year. Many people believe he still has some juice left in the tank. Can he really help the Jets that much in 2011? That is, if we even have a 2011 season.
It could be some time before the Jets let Tomlinson know their plans for him in 2011. Therefore, here are 10 reasons LaDainian Tomlinson is done playing football.
10. His Wife Is Having Their Second Child
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LaTorsha Tomlinson is expecting to have her second child later this summer. LaDainian and LaTorsha have been married since 2003.
The two had their first child in July of 2010 and will soon have their second. Having two kids is a big responsibility. Tomlinson may think about staying home and watching his kids grow up.
9. We’ve Been Here Before
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At the end of the 2009 season, Tomlinson was released by the San Diego Chargers. The speculation began about whether or not he could help any team out there.
The Jets signed him, and we soon found out that LT could still play. Here we are a year later, and once again we're wondering if Tomlinson has enough in him for the 2011 season.
How many times are we going to discuss his possible retirement before it actually happens? I'm sure he doesn't want to be viewed as the next Brett Favre, so expect a decision to be made fairly soon.
8. It's a Quarterback League
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The NFL has transformed into a quarterback's league. When you need to score quickly, teams rely on the quarterback's arm to get down the field. All the running back does is block or run to the flats.
Tomlinson is a great receiving back, but how much longer can he keep up? Running backs aren't as heavily relied on as they once were. Granted, the Jets don't have a great throwing quarterback, but it's obvious they're leaning more towards a pass-happy team.
The Jets threw the ball 507 times. Tomlinson and Shonn Greene teamed up to run the ball a little over 400 times. The game of football is now in the hands of the quarterback.
7. He Was Nonexistent in His Last Two Games
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Tomlinson blew up in the Jets' first playoff win this past season. He rushed for 82 yards, two touchdowns and was a huge reason the Jets knocked off the mighty Colts.
However, in the next two playoff games, Tomlinson was nowhere to be found. His carries were shortened in the New England game, as the Jets gave the ball to Shone Greene more.
And in the Pittsburgh game, the run game wasn't working and the Jets found themselves in a hole. They were down by 24, which forced Sanchez to throw the ball much more.
6. Possibility of a Lockout
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Tomlinson is a free agent in 2012. There's talk that 2011 will be his last season in the NFL, if we even have a 2011 season.
The players and owners are still in talks and trying to work out a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. If no deal is made, then there may not be any professional football in 2011. That is nothing but bad news for LaDainian Tomlinson.
If there are no NFL games played next year, then I don't see any way Tomlinson could come back and produce for a team after a whole year off.
5. He Makes Too Much Money
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Tomlinson is set to make $2.4 million in 2011. Shonn Greene makes that in four years. Joe McKnight will make close to that over the next four years.
The Jets believe it's time for McKnight's role to be expanded, which means less of a role for Tomlinson. The Jet's can save a lot of money by letting Tomlinson go. Greene is getting better each year and should be able to take over the starting role next season.
New York knows it can survive without Tomlinson.
4. He Said He's Done If He Gets Cut
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Tomlinson does not want to be cut again. In fact, if he is let go he said he's done.
Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said he expects Tomlinson to be back in 2011. However, professional football is a business, and sometimes teams have to release a player or two.
Tomlinson makes too much money. The Jets can save money by letting him go. Let's hope LT is true to his word and doesn't pull a Brett Favre.
3. He's Not an Every Down Back Anymore
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Tomlinson knows he can't carry the load like he used to. His touches have been split with Shonn Greene, and soon Joe McKnight will take carries away from him as well.
NFL teams are hopping on the running back by committee bandwagon. It's good to get these guys in-game experience. However, for guys like Tomlinson, it means they're no longer the go-to guy. That can do some hardcore damage to a guy's ego.
Tomlinson said he's okay with a reduced role, but how far is too far? The Jets could greatly reduce his role and LT would be stuck on the bench. Being a bench player is something he's not fond of, meaning he may retire.
2. His Production Has Decreased
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We all know that Tomlinson is not the same he was five years ago. Injuries and old age have slowed him down recently.
For the first time in his career, Tomlinson did not score double digit touchdowns. LT posted a career-low six touchdowns in 2010. His previous record low was 10, and that was his rookie season.
Tomlinson used to be a sensational running back. Now he's just another depleted running back trying to stay alive in the NFL.
1. He's Old
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Tomlinson will be 32 at the start of next season.
He's been in the NFL for 10 years and it's time for him to hang it up. Tomlinson has taken too many hits over the years and just isn't the same player. You have to know when to call it quits.
At least you'll always have this LT. Even if you can't quite do it like you used to.
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