LaDainian Tomlinson

LT pumping the crowd up. (www.google.com/images)

LaDainian Tomlinson was born on June 23, 1979 in Rosebud, Texas by the small cities of College Station and Waco. LaDainian's parents were not exactly made for each other. His father was 15 years older than his mother and had five kids outside of marriage. Before he was 16 LaDainian had a brother who died of a street fight, another brother to go to jail and a niece who died in a tragic fire at the age of six years old. LaDainian's father, who built mobile homes, suffered a back injury in 1983 that eventually disabled him permanently. With him not working it put a strain on the family and on his relationship with Loreane. Oliver and Loreane divorced in 1986. Tomlinson's dad disappeared and over time so did his child support payments. LaDainian took up the jobs of mowing lawns and raking leaves plus other jobs of that sort to try and help out his mom.

LaDianian is my hero because of his determination. He overcame not having much money and devastation when his father left the family and quit paying child support. Despite these grim circumstances, Tomlinson followed the right path and eventually became an extremely successful role model. His high school football coach played a major role in keeping LaDainian focused on his school work and football and out of the streets.

LT at TCU scorching the defense. (www.google.com/images)

LaDainian Tomlinson had a wonderful career at Texas Christian University Horned Toads and these are his highlights.

1999- Rushes for a D-1A record 406 yards versus UTEP.

1999&2000- Lead NCAA D-1A in rushing.

LaDainian Tomlinson ranks 6th all time in D-1A career rushing yards with 5,263.

These are the stats of LaDainian Tomlinson's college career.

LT vs. the Giants (www.newlevelsports.files.wordpress.com)

LaDainian Tomlinson's dynamic NFL career stats.

2001-selected 5th overall by the chargers.

2003-First player in NFL History to have 100 receptions and 1,000 rushing yards in the same season.

2006-set three NFL records with 31 total TD's, 28 rushing TD's and most points scored in a season by one player with 186.

2006-he was the NFL most valuable player.

He has been named to five Pro Bowls.

He is 2nd in rushing yards among active players.

LaDainian Tomlinson is a perfect example of the saying "You can be whatever you want to be if you put your mind to it." Tomlinson suffered many setbacks in his childhood yet he continued to move forward and not sulk and feel sorry for himself. That is what makes him a hero. LT never thinks he is the best he can be and says so in his quote "I always think I can get better. That's why I keep working." That is one of my favorite things about him. He never believes that he is the best he can be and he keeps working on his game and that is what makes him such a superb running back in the NFL.