Los Angeles Chargers: Building the Franchise’s Mount Rushmore

Ladanian Tomlinson

The man, the myth, the legend. Ladanian Tomlinson is my personal favorite Charger ever, and I am sure many fans would agree. No other running back in recent memory has been as dominant as Tomlinson was in his prime, indicated by his Hall of Fame inclusion. Easily a top three running back in my book, Ladanian Tomlinson may be the best Charger to ever live.

The only two running backs that beat out Tomlinson are likely Emmitt Smith and Barry Sanders. Sanders may not have the stats that Tomlinson and Smith have, but in his time he was the most feared, dominant running back in the league. Regardless, what Tomlinson has done on the field is the true testament to his superstar status.

First of all, Ladanian Tomlinson holds the record for the most rushing touchdowns in a season (28), and second most rushing touchdowns all time (145). Not to mention that Emmit Smith played in 56 more games than Tomlinson.

If LT could have remained healthy played another three and a half seasons he easily would have surpasses Smith’s 164 mark.

Tomlinson led the Chargers to five playoff appearances and won the 2006 NFL MVP award. The time he spent in the backfield was easily the most successful era of the franchise. No other player has arguably had the impact that Tomlinson had on the field, and that is what includes him in this list.