Getty Images
On Monday, running back LaDainian Tomlinson signed a one day contract with the San Diego Chargers, so he could retire with the team that he spent the majority of his career with.
“I knew at the end of the season last year that it (retirement) may be a possibility,” Tomlinson said. “It wasn’t because I did not want to play anymore. That wasn’t the reason. It was simply time to move on.”
“One thing I remember is when Junior Seau, when he retired, and he was up here, standing up, giving his speech. One thing that stood out to me is he said ‘I’m graduating today.’ And that’s the way I look at it,” Tomlinson said. “I’ve been playing football twenty-something years, and so at some point, it almost seems like school every year. Where you sacrifice so much, and there’s so much that you put on the line — mentally and physically, with your body, everything.
“And so today, I take the words of Junior Seau. I feel like I’m graduating. I really do, because I’ve got my life ahead of me. I’m healthy, I’m happy with a great family, and I’m excited to now be a fan and watch you guys play.”
There’s no doubt in my mind that Tomlinson will one day be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He ended his career with 13,684 rushing yards, 4,772 receiving yards and 162 total touchdowns.
The post LaDainian Tomlinson officially retires appeared first on Pro Football Zone.