NFL All-Time RB Rank No. 5: LaDainian Tomlinson

Ranking the top 25 running backs in NFL history…

5. LaDainian Tomlinson

Drafted fifth overall by the San Diego Chargers in 2001 out of Texas Christian University, Tomlinson, nicknamed “L.T.,” quickly became one of the NFL’s most dominant and versatile running backs.

Over nine seasons with the Chargers, Tomlinson set numerous franchise records, including career rushing yards and touchdowns. His pinnacle came in 2006, when he rushed for 1,815 yards and a record 28 touchdowns, adding three receiving scores for a single-season NFL record of 31 total touchdowns and 186 points, earning MVP and Offensive Player of the Year honors.

He led the league in rushing yards in 2006 and 2007 (1,474), and in touchdowns in 2004 (17), 2005 (18), and 2006. Tomlinson was instrumental in ending the Chargers’ playoff drought in 2004 and powering multiple postseason runs, though they never reached a Super Bowl.

Released in 2010, he joined the New York Jets for two seasons, rushing for 914 yards in 2010 and transitioning to a pass-catching role in 2011 with 449 receiving yards.

Tomlinson’s career totals include 13,684 rushing yards (eighth all-time at retirement), 145 rushing touchdowns (second all-time), 624 receptions for 4,772 yards and 17 receiving touchdowns, making him the first player with 1,000 rushing yards and 100 receptions in a season (2003). He ranks among the elite in yards from scrimmage (18,456) and total touchdowns (162).

Tomlinson’s standout attributes were his explosive speed, agility and power at 5-foot-10 and 221 pounds, allowing him to break tackles and accelerate through holes. He was elusive in the open field, patient behind blockers and exceptional as a receiver out of the backfield, often turning short passes into big gains.

LT was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.

But who ranks ahead of Tomlinson at No. 4 all-time?