LaDainian Tomlinson News: Pro Sports Daily

LaDainian Tomlinson 'so excited' to join Jets, has no problem taking on reduced role

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March 17

Newark Star-Ledger

"It's been a long time since LaDainian Tomlinson has been "LT," that tantalizing touchdown maker that chewed up NFL defenses. But if there's one place where he can recapture the magic, he thinks it's here, on the world's grandest stage, with an old friend and a familiar offense. "A young kid from the country is coming to New York," Tomlinson, who was raised in Waco, Texas, said Tuesday on a conference call with Jets beat reporters. "I can't tell you how I feel. I'm so excited." Tomlinson, a future Hall of Famer, signed a two-year, $5.1 million deal with the Jets this past weekend. He said he picked the Jets over the Minnesota Vikings because of New York City, the chance to help win a ..."

LT embraces role of Jets backup, but ...

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March 17

New York Post

"LaDainian Tomlinson has heard all the chatter about how he doesn't have it anymore after producing numbers the last nine years that undoubtedly will land him in the Hall of Fame. He has heard the talk about what a mistake it was that the Jets signed him to replace Thomas Jones, whom they released at the start of free agency. Jones, after all, rushed for a career-high 1,402 yards last season while Tomlinson had his worst season as a pro, gaining only 730. Tomlinson, too, has heard the projections that, after being the Chargers' featured back, he'll be relegated to only a few carries as Shonn Greene's backup. To all of those theories and predictions, Tomlinson quietly delivered this message ..."

Shonn Greene dances around subject, says he didn't mock LaDainian Tomlinson in Jets' playoff win

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March 17

New York Daily News

"When ShonnÂ Greene bumps into his new running mate, LaDainian Tomlinson, it wouldn't be a surprise if the first topic of conversation is Greene's touchdown celebration from the Jets-Chargers playoff game - yeah, the dance in which the rookie mimicked Tomlinson's signature dance. Actually, it's more of a pose - left hand to the helmet and a finger roll with the right hand. Tomlinson joked about it Tuesday, saying no hard feelings. "When I saw him doing it, I felt it needed a little critiquing," said Tomlinson, who once ripped the Patriots for mocking former teammate Shawne Merriman's "Lights Out" dance. "I looked at it like maybe he's calling for me to see if I could come critique him. I'm ..."

Newest New York Jet LaDainian Tomlinson on board with backup plan

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March 17

New York Daily News

"One of the greatest running backs in NFL history says he's not going to make a stink if he is asked to play a complementary role on his new team. But it sounds like the Jets envision LaDainian Tomlinson as more than a part-time/trophy back. "We expect him to play a lot," GM Mike Tannenbaum said Tuesday, introducing his latest big-name acquisition. "We expect him to touch the ball a lot." Call it another twist in a winding road that began two weeks ago with the decision to release 1,400-yard rusher Thomas Jones - a controversial move that upset several players. When the Jets turned to Tomlinson, coming off a dismal statistical season, it was widely assumed they wanted him as a backup and ..."

Tomlinson Is New Part for Evolving Jets Offense

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March 17

New York Times

"In a span of nine days, the Jets released Thomas Jones, a veteran running back coming off his most productive season, and signed LaDainian Tomlinson, a veteran running back coming off his least productive season. On the surface, it seemed as if the Jets swapped running backs, albeit losing nearly 700 rushing yards while saving the $3 million roster bonus that Jones was due. In reality, the Jets' decision says more about the evolution of their offense - running back Shonn Greene and quarterback Mark Sanchez - than it does about how they felt about Jones or Tomlinson."

Longtime FB ecstatic Jets nabbed LT

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March 16

New York Post

"The voice on the other end of the phone was that of Lorenzo Neal. He sounded like a kid on Christmas morning, breathlessly talking about the great gift he had gotten from Santa Claus. "You're getting 'The Great One' in New York," Neal told The Post yesterday about the Jets' free agent signing of LaDainian Tomlinson. "The Jets are bringing in a guy that has that 'It Factor,' but someone who's a student of the game and is a worker. And he's a better man than a football player." Neal should know. The fullback, a 16-year NFL veteran who was one of the most bruising blockers of his era, cleared rushing lanes for Tomlinson in San Diego, where the two played together for five years and became ..."

LT only makes the Jets weaker

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March 15

Bergen Record

columnist Ian O'Connor

"The Jets actually got younger Sunday when they hired a star worthy of the brightest Broadway lights, LaDainian Tomlinson, born 10 months and four days after the running back with a stagehand's profile, a guy named Thomas Jones. Only in this case younger doesn't mean better. In fact, the Jets wake up today softer, more vulnerable and a little harder to picture in next year's AFC title game. Mike Tannenbaum, general manager, hired the right people in Rex Ryan and Mark Sanchez, the head coach and quarterback of the future. What was the point in hiring the running back of the past? I know, I know: Tomlinson is being asked to assume only a supporting role, to mentor Shonn Greene, to catch a few ..."

LaDainian Tomlinson spurns Vikings to play for Jets

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March 15

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Running back LaDainian Tomlinson agreed Sunday to a two-year contract with the New York Jets. Tomlinson's agent, Tom Condon, confirmed the deal Sunday night. The deal is worth $5.2 million, according to the New York Daily News, and it could reach as much as $5.7 million. Tomlinson chose the Jets over the Vikings, who wooed him over dinner Wednesday night and during talks Thursday at Winter Park. Tomlinson left Minnesota on Thursday evening and flew to New York. He could have a bigger role with the Jets than he would have had in Minnesota. The future hall of famer will have a complementary role with Jets starter Shonn Greene, who is entering just his second season and hasn't completely ..."

Lure of larger workload draws Tomlinson to Jets

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March 15

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Vikings' search for a complementary running back behind Adrian Peterson continues after future Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson turned down the job for a potentially greater role with the Jets. Tomlinson, the eighth-leading rusher in NFL history with 12,490 yards, signed a two-year contract worth $5.1 million with an escalator to $5.6 million, ESPN reported first on Sunday. A league source told the Star Tribune the Vikings made a similar offer. "[Tomlinson] wanted to go a team that he thought had a chance to compete for the championship," agent Tom Condon told the Associated Press. "He wanted to go where he had a chance to have a significant role, and so with the Jets, he also was ..."

Tomlinson agrees to deal with Jets

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March 15

San Diego Union-Tribune

"In January, the New York Jets ended one of the best Chargers seasons ever. Two months later, the Jets have acquired one of the best Chargers players ever. Three weeks after he was let go by the Chargers, LaDainian Tomlinson agreed on a two-year deal with the Jets that presumably will allow the future Hall of Famer to play out his career on the nation's biggest stage. Sources with knowledge of Tomlinson's intentions told the Union-Tribune's Web site Sunday morning that the running back was going to become a Jet, although Tomlinson at that time said he had not made up his mind. According to sources, Tomlinson was counseled by several people close to him that New York was a better fit than ..."

LaDainian Tomlinson is a Hall of Famer, but New York Jets' doubt of Thomas Jones may be mistake

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March 15

New York Daily News

"There is only one LT when it comes to New York football and that's the way it should have remained. LaDainian Tomlinson is a first-ballot Hall of Famer and has stood for everything right in the NFL in his nine years in the league, so this has nothing to do with what he has accomplished or who he is. It's all about what he has left. Didn't Rex Ryan and Mike Tannenbaum watch the tapes of their playoff victory over the Chargers? Tomlinson averaged just 3.3 yards per carry in the regular season then looked like he was running in mud with dead legs against the Jets, carrying 12 times for 24 yards. On nine first-down runs, he came up with only 19 yards. He caught four passes for zero yards. In a ..."

In Tomlinson, Jets Add Another Big Name and Security for Backfield

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March 15

New York Times

"When LaDainian Tomlinson completed his visit with the Minnesota Vikings last Thursday, he left with a Vikings jersey in hand. On Sunday, he accepted something of far greater value from the Jets - a two-year contract to become their newest running back and perhaps complete his Hall of Fame career with them. The Jets also offer several other positives for Tomlinson, who was released by the San Diego Chargers last month after the worst season of his career. As a backup to Shonn Greene, Tomlinson will have the chance to run behind what may be the N.F.L.'s best offensive line; to work again with the offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, who was a Chargers assistant for four years when ..."

LaDainian Tomlinson agrees to two-year, $5.1M deal with Jets

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March 15

New York Post

"There's another "LT" coming to New York to play football, and this one plays offense. Seventeen years after Giants Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor retired, Hall of Fame-bound running back LaDainian Tomlinson is headed to New York to join the Jets. A day after returning to his home in San Diego following a free-agent recruiting visit with the Jets, the former Chargers great chose the Jets over the Vikings, who were also aggressively recruiting him. No official announcement was made by the Jets last night, though a team source indicated that one was imminent. Tomlinson has agreed to a two-year, $5.1 million contract with $500,000 in incentives. Tomlinson visited the Vikings brass in ..."

Jets sign future Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson

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March 14

New York Daily News

"Two years ago, the Jets acquired a future Hall of Famer - Brett Favre - and it didn't have a happy ending. They're hoping for better things with their newest aging icon, LaDainian Tomlinson, who agreed Sunday night on a two-year contract. Financial terms weren't immediately available. The Jets prevailed over the Vikings in a relatively, short but intense recruiting war for the free-agent running back, who was cut recently by the Chargers. They wined and dined him Friday in an extravagant recruiting effort that including several hours at the team headquarters in Florham Park, a tour of the new Meadowlands stadium and a dinner with Rex Ryan, GM Mike Tannenbaum, Mark Sanchez and others. ..."

LT appears to be in NY state of mind

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March 14

San Diego Union-Tribune

"The team that just two months ago ended one of the best Chargers' seasons ever now appears to have absconded with one of the best Chargers' players ever. According to three people with knowledge of the process, Tomlinson has decided to become a New York Jet. "It's 100 percent," one source said. "Done deal." Sources said Tomlinson is expected to announce the decision today or tomorrow. Still, Tomlinson said via e-mail this morning that he "doesn't know" where he's going yet. One source cautioned late Saturday night that a decision has not yet been officially made. But the others said today that Tomlinson has let people know he is going to New York."

LaDainian Tomlinson is leaning towards Jets, reports says

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March 14

Newark Star-Ledger

"LaDaindian Tomlinson is said to be leaning towards signing with the Jets, according to a report in the San Diego Union-Tribune. Tomlinson, who spent his entire nine-year career with the Chargers, was released last month. He visited the Vikings and Jets last week, flying home Saturday morning following a two-day stay in New Jersey. Although he's tentatively scheduled to visit the Saints and Eagles this week, people close to him believe he'll sign with the Jets as early as Sunday or Monday."

Signs point to New York for LT

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March 14

San Diego Union-Tribune

"I have not confirmed it beyond a shadow of a doubt, because there is some thought by those close to LaDainian Tomlinson that he is still considering his options. But the team that just two months ago ended one of the best Chargers' seasons ever now appears to have absconded with one of the best Chargers' players ever. According to three people with knowledge of the process, Tomlinson has decided to become a New York Jet."

Jets' pitch for LT on hold

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March 14

Bergen Record

"Free agent running back LaDainian Tomlinson left New Jersey on Saturday morning and flew back to San Diego without signing with the Jets. Tomlinson, who was released by San Diego last month, toured the Jets' Florham Park facility Friday and had dinner that night with coach Rex Ryan and general manager Mike Tannenbaum. Tomlinson also met with the Vikings on Thursday, but left their complex without a contract. He has not commented on either visit, although the Jets and Vikings are considered to be the leading contenders for his services. It's possible he may make other visits this week."

LaDainian Tomlinson returns home without contract, but New York Jets are not discouraged

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March 14

New York Daily News

"Ladainian Tomlinson, once known for his coast-to-coast runs, went coast-to-coast Saturday. After a two-night stay in New Jersey, where he was romanced by the Jets, the free-agent running back left without a deal. Tomlinson took a morning flight and returned to his home in San Diego, where he will mull his next move. He could pick a team - Jets or Vikings - this weekend or he could decide to take more visits, perhaps to the Saints. Even though he was gone, the Jets stayed in touch with Tomlinson's agents, discussing a potential contract, according to league sources. They had hoped to sign him before he left town, but they weren't discouraged because Tomlinson's original plan was to go home ..."

Tomlinson flies home with no deal from Jets

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March 14

The Journal News

"LaDainian Tomlinson flew home to San Diego Saturday to consider his options after spending a day with the Jets and leaving without a deal. The free agent - the eighth-leading rusher in NFL history - was on a flight Saturday morning after his visit. He arrived in New Jersey Thursday night after meeting with the Minnesota Vikings and spent Friday touring the Jets' facility in Florham Park. He then had dinner with coach Rex Ryan, general manager Mike Tannenbaum and other team officials, who tried to persuade him to join an offense that led the league in rushing last season. It was uncertain if Tomlinson would decide between the Jets and Vikings or visit other teams. He has not commented on ..."

No Contract for LT...Yet

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March 13

Newark Star-Ledger

"I wasn't really that excited, at first, about reports the Jets were courting LaDainian Tomlinson. The more I think about it though; the idea is starting to grow on me. Yeah, he is up there in years and didn't have great numbers last season, but he brings to the table something Thomas Jones did not. He can catch the ball out of the backfield, which is something the team lacked last season. Once Leon Washington went down, the team did not have that option. Jones never did it and it wasn't Shonn Greene's strongest area either. LT can add that dimension to the offense. An offense, I have to mention, the running back is very familiar with having played under the same scheme with San Diego. ..."

RB LaDainian Tomlinson in the Jets' house

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March 13

Bergen Record

"The rules of the uncapped year prevent the Jets from signing a big-name unrestricted free agent. But that doesn't mean they can't sign a big name. Of course, the big name they were pursuing so heavily Friday no longer has the kind of production that had been associated with his legendary name. The Jets spent all day Friday courting former San Diego running back LaDainian Tomlinson. Because he was released by the Chargers, there are no restrictions on which teams may sign him. And the Jets are in the market for a veteran running back, a market they created for themselves by not springing for the $3 million roster bonus due this week to former Jet Thomas Jones, who signed with Kansas City on ..."

LaDainian Tomlinson visits with Jets; Vikings keep up courtship of running back

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March 13

USA Today

"LaDainian Tomlinson arrived in New Jersey on Friday to meet with Jets officials as his free-agent tour continues. Tomlinson met with the Jets one day after visiting Vikings officials in Minnesota. He said on Thursday he wanted to hear what both teams had to say before possibly deciding on a new team this weekend. He said he may make other visits next week, with the Saints being a possible suitor. Vikings VP of player personnel Rick Spielman said Thursday there was "no pressure" to sign Tomlinson quickly. And head coach Brad Childress reiterated those comments to KFAN radio on Friday, while noting that Tomlinson said he'd given his word to make several visits before deciding on a team."

LaDainian Tomlinson staying with Jets on Friday night

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March 13

USA Today

"LaDainian Tomlinson's visit with the Jets has spilled over into Friday evening. The Jets revealed that the free agent will spend Friday night in New Jersey after dining with team officials. GM Mike Tannenbaum, coach Rex Ryan and others were taking Tomlinson out, two days after he dined with Vikings officials on his free-agent trip there. The Jets said that Tomlinson's agenda for Saturday hasn't been decided."

New York's interest in former Charger could prompt a move with current backup RB

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March 13

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"I am curious about the Jets' interest in former Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson, because I just don't see what the plan is by swapping out one RB in his thirties in Thomas Jones - who was very productive as a Jet - for LT. It isn't surprising to see a veteran player on the downside of his career weigh his options by taking multiple visits to drive up his own market value in hopes of a semi-bidding war for second-tier free agent money. Some veteran players even wait until after the draft to make a final call to avoid seeing a rookie drafted at their exact position. But, even in saying that, LT as a Jet? From a scheme perspective, LT makes sense in Brian Schottenheimer's offense because the ..."

LT talks to Jets

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March 13

New York Post

"LaDainian Tomlinson, the highest-profile player the Jets have had visit them this offseason, was given the house tour yesterday at the teams Florham Park, N.J., facility one day after he visited the Vikings. Tomlinson's visit extended into last night, when he was to have dinner with coach Rex Ryan, general manager Mike Tannenbaum and other Jets personnel -- believed to include some players. He's scheduled to leave New Jersey today. It's not believed Tomlinson has been offered a contract by the Jets, who are thin at running back with only Shonn Greene, entering his second year and still somewhat unproven, and Leon Washington, who is coming off a compound fracture of his right leg."

Tomlinson Spends Day With Jets

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March 13

New York Times

"Running back LaDainian Tomlinson followed a full day of meetings with Jets officials with dinner Friday night with Coach Rex Ryan and General Manager Mike Tannenbaum. Tomlinson planned to spend the night - there were no late flights available to the West Coast after dinner - but his itinerary for Saturday was unclear. The Jets' courtship of Tomlinson included a tour of their training facilities in Florham Park, N.J. The Jets are hoping to woo Tomlinson to be a complement to their starter, Shonn Greene. Tomlinson, 30, had his least-productive season in 2009 and he clearly lost his burst, averaging 3.3 yards a carry. But he could provide an enticing third-down option for the Jets and he ..."

Former Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson extends his visit with New York Jets another night

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March 13

New York Daily News

"The romancing, for the most part, is over. Now the Jets wait for LaDainian Tomlinson's decision - and they are feeling good about their chances. The future Hall of Fame running back spent Friday night in New Jersey after a full day of recruiting by the Jets, who gave Tomlinson the red-carpet treatment at their Florham Park headquarters and capped the festivities with dinner at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster. The dinner party included Rex Ryan and GM Mike Tannenbaum. Tomlinson, cut recently by the Chargers, is believed to be considering the Jets and Vikings. After a visit with the Vikings, he flew to New Jersey, arriving Thursday night. By late Friday, he was strongly considering ..."

Report: Jets all-out to get Tomlinson to sign

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March 13

New York Post

"Free agent running back LaDainian Tomlinson is at the Jets training facility for a visit, and the team is doing all it can to get his name on a contract before he leaves New Jersey. "For that to ever turn into a signing, it's gonna have to be if everything lines up with him, us, economics, medical, role," GM Mike Tannenbaum said this morning on WFAN. "I think he would bring great leadership to our organization, but we'll see how it goes today." Fanhouse.com reports the Jets are willing to give Tomlinson the same two-year, $5 million deal the Chiefs gave Thomas Jones, who could not get that offer from the Jets. "(The Jets) may be willing to move upwards to $3.5 million a year for Tomlinson ..."

Jets agree to terms with safety Brodney Pool; LT to visit

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March 12

Bergen Record

"The Jets agreed to terms Thursday on a one-year, $1.3 million contract with safety Brodney Pool, a restricted free agent who was with Cleveland last season. Because the Browns didn't tender him, the Jets won't have to compensate the Browns with a draft pick. Pool has been slowed by concussions during his career, but the Jets needed depth at the position after trading Kerry Rhodes to Arizona. Meanwhile, LaDainian Tomlinson left the Vikings' facility without a deal in place and was on his way to New York to visit the Jets. A person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press that the star running back spent several hours at Vikings' headquarters Thursday, but did not reach ..."

For 1st title, LT willing to play 2nd fiddle

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March 12

San Diego Union-Tribune

columnist Tim Sullivan

"LaDainian Tomlinson is humbling himself for the chance to be exalted. The most accomplished running back still active has swallowed his pride, checked his ego and traveled to Minnesota to discuss a supporting role behind pro football's foremost fumbler, Adrian Peterson. Though this is tantamount to Aretha Franklin auditioning to sing backup for Lady Gaga, it is consistent with LT's stated purpose and top priority: to chase a championship. Tomlinson has more money than he will ever need and enough fame for 10 lifetimes. What he lacks after nine mostly splendid seasons with the Chargers is the validation of ultimate victory, the closure only a Super Bowl can bring. Toward that elusive end, ..."

Tomlinson to Visit Jets, Who Have an Opening

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March 12

New York Times

"When the Jets released Thomas Jones after he declined to take a pay cut, the prevailing analysis was that he might have slowed at the end of last season. But the Jets lost an experienced veteran who was a tremendous presence in the locker room. Might they be trying to lure someone like Jones to replace him? How about LaDainian Tomlinson, the former Charger and future Hall of Famer who rushed for more than a 1,000 yards a season from 2001 to 2008? Tomlinson, who was clearly diminished in 2009 (a career-low 730 yards, but 12 touchdowns), will visit the Jets on Friday. Tomlinson left the Vikings without a contract on Thursday evening after two days of meetings. Adding Tomlinson to the ..."

LaDainian Tomlinson to visit New York Jets

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March 12

New York Daily News

"LaDainian Tomlinson left Vikings headquarters Thursday without a contract and now will be wined and dined by Rex Ryan and the Jets, who are very serious about signing the future Hall of Fame running back, according to multiple league sources. The only thing that could have short-circuited the trip to New York was an 11th-hour deal with the Vikings to back up Adrian Peterson. Barring that, Tomlinson will meet with the Jets, who want to team the former NFL MVP with Shonn Greene. Tomlinson reportedly left Minnesota very impressed by the Vikings but wants to talk to other teams. He reportedly has visits with other teams lined up for next week and may visit the Eagles and Saints, who have ..."

LaDainian Tomlinson may visit NY Jets, report says

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March 11

Newark Star-Ledger

"Former Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson is likely headed for a visit with the Jets on Friday. If veteran running back LaDainian Tomlinson leaves Minnesota without a contract on Thursday, he's scheduled to visit the Jets on Friday, according to an report on ESPN. The Jets are searching for a veteran running back to replace the departed Thomas Jones and complement second-year pro Shonn Greene. Tomlinson, a nine-year veteran, has been on the decline in recent years, however. Last season, he rushed for 730 yards and 12 touchdowns on 223 carries (3.3-yard average). It was the first time in his career he didn't reach the 1,000-yard mark. I find the courting of Tomlinson a bit ..."

Childress says he's all about clarity in defining a role for Tomlinson

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March 11

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Will they sign him? You can bet that question wafted through minds all across the nation when word leaked that former all-pro running back LaDainian Tomlinson was expected to visit the Vikings. The NFL Network reported that the parties met Wednesday. As for the answer, I tried getting it from Vikings coach Brad Childress. BS: LaDainian Tomlinson's career is his résumé. Are you bringing him in with the hope of signing him, or do you need to learn something you don't already know? BC: I think probably he's coming in, touching and tasting us, and we're doing the same thing to see where his mind is at. I had a great conversation with him (Tuesday). I interrupted him on the golf course. I was ..."

Tomlinson deserves offer he can't refuse

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March 11

St. Paul Pioneer Press

columnist Bob Sansevere

"You've heard the talk about LaDainian Tomlinson: He's no longer an elite running back, not nearly as dangerous as he once was. And it's true. Tomlinson isn't a franchise back. If he were, the San Diego Chargers never would have released him. The thing is, he doesn't have to be the LaDainian Tomlinson of old. The current version is plenty good enough to help the Vikings, and not just on the field. Tomlinson is a class act. And a leader. And the kind of player who could have an influence on the entire locker room and, in particular, Adrian Peterson. Tomlinson has eight fumbles in his career. If just that part of Tomlinson rubs off on Peterson, he would be worth his weight and then some in ..."

LaDainian Tomlinson to meet with Vikings on Thursday

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March 10

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Running back LaDainian Tomlinson will make a free-agent visit Thursday to the Vikings, according to Sports Illustrated. Tomlinson could be a replacement for Chester Taylor, who signed a four-year, $12.5 million deal with Chicago on Friday. Tomlinson was released by San Diego, so he wouldn't count toward the restrictions the Vikings are facing in free agency as one of the final four teams in the playoffs. Tomlinson averaged 3.3 yards per carry last season, and there are concerns about his explosiveness after nine years and 2,880 carries in San Diego. But as a third-down back, the role the Vikings must fill with Taylor gone, he could be a good fit in Minnesota. He has 530 career catches, ..."

Tomlinson visiting Vikes on Thurs.

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March 9

SI.com

"Running back LaDainian Tomlinson will visit with the Vikings on Thursday, a league source said. Minnesota is seeking to replace Chester Taylor, an eight-year veteran who signed a free-agent deal with the Bears on Friday. The Vikings have Pro Bowl starting running back Adrian Peterson, but are looking for a capable complement, particularly in passing situations. Tomlinson, who was released last month after nine years with San Diego -- where he set or tied 28 franchise records, including career rushing yards and touchdowns -- has had at least 50 receptions eight times. He also is a sure-handed ball-carrier, which is attractive to the Vikings because Peterson lost six fumbles in 314 carries ..."

Retiring a number can be tricky math problem

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March 4

San Diego Union-Tribune

columnist Tim Sullivan

"What's in a number? That which we call a 21 would smell as sweet as an ace and a face card at the blackjack table. Or as the result of a saloonkeeper's subtraction as he studies your driver's license. Or when it's worn by an athlete as transcendent as LaDainian Tomlinson. Though the Chargers are not ready to formally retire the uniform number of the remarkable running back they released last week, No.?21 has been informally removed from circulation at the team's Murphy Canyon complex. In the absence of specific orders from his superiors, equipment manager Bob Wick has taken the initiative, "to keep that number safe for now." Wick says he won't issue Tomlinson's No.?21 or Junior Seau's ..."

Texans GM Rick Smith 'entertaining the idea' of adding LaDainian Tomlinson

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February 27

USA Today

"The Houston Texans have been mentioned as a potential destination for former Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson, a Texas native. But even though the Texans philosophically favor adding younger players, GM Rick Smith didn't dismiss adding Tomlinson to a team that struggled to run the ball in 2009. "We're entertaining the idea," Smith acknowledged at the scouting combine Friday. "He's certainly had a wonderful career and still has some productive play in his future." Tomlinson has said he wants to join a Super Bowl-caliber team with an established quarterback. Houston is coming off its first winning season, has an explosive offense and maturing defense, and QB Matt Schaub led the NFL in passing ..."

Chargers likely to have new-look backfield in 2010 sans Tomlinson, Sproles

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February 27

USA Today

"The San Diego Chargers' backfield makeover continues as the team is ready to show RB-KR Darren Sproles the door just days after cutting the cord with LaDainian Tomlinson. The Chargers opted not to tender Sproles a one-year, $7.3 million deal as a restricted free agent, meaning he's headed for the open market. He made $6.6 million as the team's franchise player in 2009."

LaDainian Tomlinson's heavy load provides warning for Maurice Jones-Drew

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February 27

Jacksonville Times-Union

columnist Gene Frenette

"No Jaguar should be paying more attention to the San Diego Chargers' release this week of running back LaDainian Tomlinson than Maurice Jones-Drew, who doesn't shy away from collisions and gladly takes on punishment for that extra yard. Tomlinson's tank is near empty at 30, because he's already up to 2,880 carries. That's about the maximum mileage, because only 11 NFL backs in history have more carries. Jones-Drew, who turns 25 in three weeks, is lucky that he had former teammate Fred Taylor to diminish the hits he took in his first three seasons. Last year, Jones-Drew had his first 300-carry season (312 rushes), because the Jaguars didn't trust rookie Rashad Jennings enough to lighten the ..."

Tomlinson could help Bears find the end zone

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February 26

Chicago Sun-Times

"The Bears have enough running backs who average 3.3 yards per carry, but LaDainian Tomlinson, released by the Chargers this week, does have one intriguing quality that should pique the Bears' interest: even in his decline he can still find the end zone. Tomlinson was a shadow of the All-Pro running back he was just a couple of years ago. In 2009 he rushed for 730 yards on 223 carries. His longest run was 36 yards. But he scored 12 touchdowns, most of them from short-range: six from 1-yard out and nine from inside the 5-yard line. Those aren't cheapies in the NFL, as the Bears should know all too well. They scored just four rushing touchdowns from inside the 5-yard line in 2009. Jay Cutler ..."

Which team's GM is likely to gamble on Tomlinson?

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February 26

Chicago Tribune

"Pats like proven vets Ken Murray, Baltimore Sun If LaDainian Tomlinson limits his prospective employment to teams capable of winning the Super Bowl, he has reduced his options to a very small field. And then he's going to have to take a very modest contract, given his performance level in 2009 (730 rushing yards, 3.3 per carry, 20 catches) for a very good team. There is a reasonably good chance no Super Bowl contender will offer Tomlinson, 30, that chance. But history says that Bill Belichick in New England might, and Mike Shanahan in Washington could. Which is not to say the Redskins are a Super Bowl contender. It appears that unless LT is willing to join a team like the Bengals or Bucs, ..."

Are Saints paving path for Tomlinson?

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February 26

NFL.com

"The Super Bowl champion Saints could be creating a vacancy for RB LaDainian Tomlinson by apparently allowing Mike Bell to become a free agent. Bell was not one of the 13 restricted free agents they tendered on Thursday. Neither was Pro Bowl guard Jahri Evans, but he will be back on the team, either through a long-term deal or by placing a restricted free agent tender on him by next Thursday's deadline. New Orleans could try to lock up Bell by then but that seems unlikely since his role diminished as the season wore on. By letting Bell walk the Saints might acquiesce to quarterback Drew Brees' wishes to bring in Tomlinson, who was released by the Chargers on Monday. Brees, who carries ..."

'And so, fans, I thank you'

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February 25

San Diego Union-Tribune

"For a while now, he's been thinking a lot and talking about Junior Seau and Rodney Harrison, invoking the names of the two veterans who showed him how to be a professional when he first joined the Chargers. Turns out they've also taught LaDainian Tomlinson something about the profession. The really tough thing. The thing that brought tears to Tomlinson's eyes. The thing about goodbyes. Although two of the best to ever play their respective positions, Seau and Harrison weren't able to finish what they started in San Diego, each needing to go somewhere else to get back to the Super Bowl. With yesterday's delivery of his own official farewell to the Chargers, Tomlinson also is off to fulfill ..."

Will Skins' new front office pass the L.T. test?

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February 24

Washington Examiner

columnist Rick Snider

"LaDainian Tomlinson may show whether the Washington Redskins are led by seasoned talent evaluators or still driven by a star-chasing owner. L.T. would have been a perfect free agent signing for owner Dan Snyder a few years ago. Snyder spent more time watching falling stars than NASA scientists. Deion Sanders, Bruce Smith and Mark Carrier started the big-money decade. Albert Haynesworth finally reached the $100 million level last season. San Diego released its franchise player on Monday after 12,490 rushing yards and 138 rushing touchdowns over nine seasons. Running backs tend to lose it quickly and Tomlinson's 3.3-yard average was nearly two yards less than in 2006. Redskins coach Mike ..."

Tie to Payton could lure Tomlinson

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February 24

Chicago Tribune

columnist David Haugh

"On the day after he passed Walter Payton on the all-time rushing touchdowns list back in 2007, LaDainian Tomlinson wore a white No. 34 Bears jersey to the Chargers complex out of respect for his boyhood idol. You wonder if the introspective Tomlinson, with a keen sense of NFL history, sees any symmetry in ending his career wearing the same uniform of the guy who first inspired his dream as a 5-year-old kid. That's possible now that the Chargers have cut Tomlinson and forced every team with needs at running back to consider their options, including the one that LT recalls introducing him to the NFL as a boy. After seeing Payton play on TV in his home near Waco, Texas, as Tomlinson's tale ..."

The run is done; a super farewell this isn't

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February 23

San Diego Union-Tribune

"No one wanted it this way. It would have been preferable for LaDainian Tomlinson - preferable for everyone floating in his orbit, preferable for all those touched by him - to leave the Chargers carrying the ultimate snapshot: LT, world champion, smiling that smile of his as he hugged and kissed the Lombardi Trophy. But he never got the chance to say he was going to Disney World, which, in the end, is what he was about. He had run out of disappointments here. In this case, the hole that opened up for LT when he arrived out of TCU nine years ago eventually had to close, as it abruptly did yesterday. Maybe it was premature, maybe it wasn't. The Chargers thought it was time, and my guess is ..."

Teammates regret no title for LT

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February 23

San Diego Union-Tribune

"Shawne Merriman's knowledge of San Diego's football team was pretty limited when the Chargers drafted him in 2005. "I didn't know anything about the Chargers except LaDainian Tomlinson," Merriman said yesterday. It's really not that far of a stretch to say that for a number of years in the past decade, that was the case for many football fans. There was a time when Tomlinson was the Chargers. That time has passed. It was not so this year and could be argued that the sun began setting on his day as the face of the franchise almost three years ago, after Norv Turner arrived as head coach, Philip Rivers began to emerge as one of the NFL's best quarterbacks and a group of young receivers ..."