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Birth
LaDainian Tomlinson was born on June 23,1979 in Rosebud, Texas to Oliver and Lorean Tomlinson. -
The Move
LaDainian's mom got a job in Marnin, Texas and decided to let LaDainian and his brother stay with friends in Waco so they would have a better chance to play and to get football scholarships. -
Parent's Divorced
When LaDainian was 6-years-old his parents divorced and he became the "man of the house". He didn't see his dad until 10 years later. -
Pop Warner Football
In 1st grade LaDainian signed up to play football in the local Pop Warner league in Waco, Texas. He shined as the Q.B. for the Southern Panthers and soon everyone realized he was a special player. -
Waiting His Turn
Tomlinson was nicknamed "L.T.' not only because they were his initials, but because they were the same initials as NY Giants Lineback Lawrence Taylor. He had gotten that good at the age of 8. -
High School
Tomlinson made the University High School football team and proved to be a "scoring machine" for the team. -
Offensive Player of the Year
During his senior year at University High School, Tomlinson scored 5 TD's as the starting Half Back on for the Bulldogs. He was voted Offensive Player of the Year. -
College
Tomlinson accepted a scholarship to play for the Texas Christian University (TCU) Horned Frogs in Fort Worth, Texas. TCU was a struggling team, but his dream of playing for a big state university weren't challenged. -
Bowl Victory
TCU finished the season with an 8-4 record (the best record in decades) and led his team to a Division I-A victory against the University of Kansas. -
Heisman Trophy Finalist
Tomlinson is one of three players to ever lead the nation in rushing in consecutive seasons. He ranked 6th on NCAA's all-time rushing list, won the Doak Walker Award as the nation's top rushing back, and was finalist for the Heisman Trophy. -
NFL Report
Tomlinson contacted the NFL to find out what his chances were for going pro. When the NFL told him 'late in the round draft', LaDainian stuck their report by the door of his appartment and used it as a motivator to work hard his senior year at TCU. -
NFL Draft
Tomlinson was drafted as the running back in the first round pick for the San Diego Chargers. He signed a 6-year contract worth $38 million. LaDainian was given a $10.5 million up front signing bonus---"the most money ever awarded to a rookie running back. He bought his mom and sister new homes. And a car for himself! -
The Senior Bowl
Although Tomlinson had proved himself a great football player, NFL experts were still not sure he could handle it in the pros. But after being coached by NFL team coaching staffs for the Senior Bowl, the scouts were watching. LaDainian scored the first touchdown of that game and finished as MVP. -
!,000 + 100 = Record
First player to rush 1,000 yards and catch at least 100 passes. -
Married
LaDainian married his college girlfriend, LaTorsha. -
L.T.'s 21 Club
He created the LaDainian Tomlinson Foundation for charity and "LT's 21 Club" where he invites kids from the San Diego area to every Charger home game, buys them food, a souvenir, and takes them out for dinner after the games. Years without a father created in him a magnificent mentor! -
Extended Deal
Tomlinson continued to set records as an NFL running back even though his team hadn't made it to the Pro Bowl. The Chargers decided to keep the "best running back in the National Football League" by offering Tomlinson an 8-year contract worth $80 million! -
The Sporting News
He was named Best Player in the NFL by Sporting News Magazine. -
Birth of his Son
Daylen Oliver Tomlinson was born to LaDainian & LaTorsha. -
Retirement
LaDainian Tomlinson retires from the NFL.
