Chargers great LaDainian Tomlinson joins the front office
By Joel Garcia
Initially reported in February, the Los Angeles Chargers officially announced today that Hall of Fame RB LaDainian Tomlinson, known as L.T. to fans, will join the front office in order to help the team win the “Fight for L.A.”
L.T. played for the San Diego Chargers for nine years. During that time, he won the 2006 NFL MVP award, set the league single-season touchdown record and represented the franchise with class.
A passionate @LT_21 explains why he took on new role with the Chargers.
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— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) March 30, 2017
L.T. was a Chargers’ fan favorite as a player. Although he ended his career with the New York Jets, it is safe to say that he is recognized as a one of the all-time great Chargers. He will be inducted as such in the Hall of Fame, rightly so. L.T. was voted to the NFL Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility and will be inducted this year.
Those reasons are no doubt why the Chargers hired L.T. to interact with the community. Although he never played in Los Angeles as a Charger, his appeal to fans remains in tact. Tomlinson’s official title in his new role with the Chargers will be “special assistant to the owner.”
Nov 6, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers team president Dean Spanos and general manager Tom Telesco look on from the field before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Fighting for L.A.
The Chargers have been busy in Los Angeles. The team has had players attend events like the Los Angeles Marathon, popped up at Pink’s, L.A.’s iconic hot dog stand, to debut a special Chargers Chili Cheese dog, had Casey Hayward interview stars at the Oscars’ red carpet (an event that owner Dean Spanos also attended) and have held a few rallies in hopes of building excitement for the upcoming season, the first in Los Angeles since 1960.
That’s why the move makes sense for the team. L.T. is still beloved by fans (maybe slightly less in San Diego now). Also, he will further expand the team’s integration in Los Angeles. In his new role, he will be the face of the franchise as the team adjusts to the move.
L.T. had the following to say regarding his new role in an interview he granted to the Los Angeles Times:
“I share the Chargers’ commitment to fight for Los Angeles. Alex Spanos created a legacy of devotion to the community, and Dean Spanos and his family have faithfully continued that tradition. I’m eager to help guide the Chargers’ efforts to contribute in important and lasting ways to the Greater Los Angeles area.”
Welcome to L.A., L.T.!
.@LT_21 With today’s news, now’s the time to learn the truth behind @LT_21‘s 2006 season with the full oral history.
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— Los Angeles Chargers (@Chargers) March 30, 2017