LaDainian Tomlinson

San Diego Chargers running back and 2006 NFL MVP who set the single-season touchdown record that year.

Defenders who faced the Chargers in 2006 remember one thing above all: they couldn't keep LaDainian Tomlinson out of the end zone. He set an NFL single-season touchdown record that year, 31 total and 28 rushing, that stood unchallenged for nearly two decades. Born in Rosebud, Texas, in 1979, he arrived in the NFL as the Chargers' fifth overall pick in 2001 and built one of the most complete résumés any running back has produced. His 11-season career produced 13,684 rushing yards — the seventh-highest in NFL history — and 162 total touchdowns — the second-highest in NFL history behind Jerry Rice. He won the NFL MVP for that historic 2006 season. He was named Offensive Player of the Year twice. He was selected to five Pro Bowls. He scored 28 or more points in a game more times than any other player in NFL history. His ability to run inside and outside, catch passes out of the backfield and block effectively made him a complete back. He was named to the NFL 100 All-Time Team in 2019. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017, his first year of eligibility. He is the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers all-time leader in rushing yards, touchdowns and receptions by a running back by a very significant margin.

Versatile dual-threat back with exceptional vision, cutting ability, hands out of the backfield, and red zone prowess

Revolutionized the running back position with his dual-threat ability and is considered one of the greatest offensive weapons in NFL history

• Pro Football Hall of Fame 2017
• 2006 NFL MVP
• NFL single-season TD record (31, 2006)
• 5x Pro Bowl
• 3x First-team All-Pro