Chargers News: NFL Columnist Talks the Worst Breakup in Franchise History
The Chargers were desperate need of a jolt.
Coming off a 1-15 season in 2000, then head coach Mike Riley and San Diego Chargers brass needed to turn things around in the Southern California city more well known for beaches than a successful pro football team.
They selected one LaDainian Tomlinson with the 5th overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft, and he quickly pumped electricity back into the downtrodden franchise.
The Offensive Rookie of the Year Award came quickly. Then came the four Pro Bowls. Then the 2006 MVP Award after rushing for an NFL record 28 touchdowns. The eight straight 1,000 yard seasons and the breathtaking speed.
With all of that, a new generation had their "LT."
It seemed like Tomlinson surely would never leave the Chargers. It seemed unthinkable that the Chargers would change their tune toward their franchise icon that helped make them relevant again.
Then 2010 happened. LaDainian Tomlinson found himself unceremoniously released and suddenly the newest New York Jet.
Clark Dalton of Yardbarker recounted the ordeal; one that he named the Chargers worst breakup in franchise history.
"The Chargers — then based in San Diego — released the running back in February 2010 after he battled injuries and his production declined over the two previous seasons. Tomlinson blamed the Chargers for his regression, claiming it started when they replaced head coach Marty Schottenheimer with Norv Turner.
In San Diego, everything was taken away from me,' Tomlinson said in reference to Turner.
Chargers general manager A.J. Smith refuted Tomlinson's comments, saying, 'It's the team that will win a world championship, not a bunch of individuals.'" (via Clark Dalton of Yardbarker)
Tomlinson's production diminished precipitously after the hiring of the pass-first minded Norv Turner, a change that followed the controversial dismissal of Marty Schottenheimer after the 2006 season.
The Chargers finished 14-2 that season but fell to the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Round -- a time when the Patriots had some young kid named Tom Brady in toe.
As for what happened to all sides, Tomlinson played two seasons for the Jets before his 2011 retirement and his 2017 enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame -- in his first year of eligibility.
Turner? He was fired by the Chargers after the 2012 season following a 7-9 campaign -- the team's third straight year missing the postseason.
For A.J. Smith? He suffered the same fate as Turner did after that 2012 season, and that would be his last as a GM. He moved onto the Washington Football Team as a consultant before retiring in 2015.
All in all, the LT era for the Chargers was one that came to an end sans the sendoff it deserved.
