San Diego Chargers: Top 10 Running Backs of All-Time

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LaDainian Tomlinson, 2001-2009

For those San Diego kids currently in college or in high school, LaDainian Tomlinson was their childhood hero. He was a hero for many in not just San Diego, but all over the U.S. Not only did LT set the rushing touchdown record in 2006 with 28 scores (later broken), but he is also the fifth leading rusher in NFL history with 13,684 yards.

From the early 2000’s, LT defined a Chargers franchise which reached the playoffs five times during his tenure. From his rookie season in 2001 to 2008, LaDainian Tomlinson rushed for 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns or more eight straight times. Throughout those eight seasons, Tomlinson averaged 1,470 yards and 15.75 rushing touchdowns. It is no wonder why the former TCU horned frog is ranked second in NFL history for his 145 rushing touchdowns. Not only that, LT also was a great receiver, catching 530 passes for 3,955 yards and 15 touchdowns for the Chargers.

Reason why LT is the number one player is because he was so.darn.good. Nobody in Chargers history has ever come close to that type of consistent production. The five-time pro-bowler and three-time all-pro selection may have “disappeared” in the playoffs, but without LT’s regular season rushing abilities, the Chargers would never have had a chance to make it there in the first place.

Lance Alworth deserves credit as the greatest San Diego Charger receiver ever, but LaDainian Tomlinson should be remembered as the greatest Charger player ever and greatest Charger running back ever hands down.

Next: Top 10 Chargers Special Teams Players of All-Time

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