LaDanian Tomlinson isn’t used to being counted out. After all, the single-season touchdown leader and former MVP has been the best player on the field for a long time. So long, in fact, that LT has now reached a ripe old age of 30. For you and I, 30 is not very old at all. For an NFL running back, 30 is when you start to plot your future career in television.
“At every position, there’s a number, or a stigma, whatever you call it, that says you should be old at this position,” said Tomlinson after the Chargers’ first full-squad practice on Friday, “At running back, they say it’s 30. My challenge is to prove them wrong.”
It’s a challenge which got a bit tougher after a season in which LT was hampered by toe and hip injuries, crippling his famous burst through the line. Tomlinson still ran for 1,110 yards and 11 touchdowns, but with an average of just 3.8 yards per carry and 8.2 yards per reception, his 2008 season was considered a disappointment by many. Already famous for his offseason workout regimen, LT took his preparation a step further this year.
“I spent some time with a biomechanics doctor, just to get myself back together,” said LT, “I was so messed up, body-wise, I spent some time putting myself back together and then getting stronger.”
Having put himself together again, LT then redoubled his efforts to prevent another injury-plagued campaign.
“As lean as I am, I still have some weight with me. I do feel stronger. And I put some time in the weight room doing some different workouts, getting back to the basics.”
In the offseason, there was a question as to whether or not the Chargers would bring Tomlinson back for another season. In the end, LT and AJ Smith came to terms on a new deal, but with it came the whispers that 2009 might be Tomlinson’s last year in powder blue. All the doubt has led to a renewed focus for the future Hall Of Famer.
“I think I’m a little bit more focused and a little more disciplined. In order to be perform, you have to be up for any challenge. Anytime I’m challenged I’m a little more focused.”
With his offensive line rebuilt and healthier than it was last season, Antonio Gates having regained the spring in his step after ankle and toe injuries, and Philip Rivers continuing to develop as a top quarterback, LT is far from feeling like 30 is his tragic number.
“I’m really excited,” said Tomlinson, “Each year brings a different feel, but at the same time, this is the most special feeling in football. You look around the room, see 80 different guys, and know a team will be coming together from this point. When it’s all said and done and we’re ready to go into that first week, you know a team has come together, and then it’s all about putting wins together.”
And beyond the goals for the Chargers this season, Tomlinson is setting his sight on a loftier individual goal, one that he had previously avoided chasing. LT starts the year with 11,760 career rushing yards, 6,595 behind Emmitt Smith’s career rushing record. It would likely take 4-5 more prime seasons to pass Emmitt, but LT says he is ready for the chase.
“I think going through what I went through in the offseason, I realized how fragile (your career) is and how soon you can be out of the league. I don’t want to have any regrets when I’m done. I want to walk away from the game when I say I’m ready and leave no regrets at all. I know, if I get to a point where I end up retiring early, and I look back, maybe 2 or 3 years after I retired and wonder, why didn’t I keep going? And I have to wonder if Barry Sanders feels the same way.”
Preseason is always the time for healthy bodies and optimistic talk, but if Tomlinson can maintain his body and his ambition, Chargers fans could be in for a special year in 2009.
