Number One: LaDainian Tomlinson, Running Back, 2001-2009
Was it really any surprise that Tomlinson would take the number one spot on this list? With an astounding 145 AV from Pro Football Reference (even though I am not really sure what it means), L.T. is easily the best in Bolts' history.
The NFL Most Valuable Player in 2006, Tomlinson set NFL records that season for most rushing touchdowns (28!), touchdowns from scrimmage in a season (31) and most points scored in a season (186). He was an absolute fantasy juggernaut that year. A member of both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football one as well, Tomlinson’s No. 21 is retired with the Chargers and he is also in their Hall of Fame as well.
I would also just like to use this space to point out that at one time, the Chargers had three (!) Pro Bowl running backs on their roster in the 2000s: Tomlinson, Michael Turner and an honorable mention for this list – Darren Sproles. Just an absolute gluttony of talent on those Bolts teams, but I digress.
An accomplished passer as well, Tomlinson’s seven touchdown passes rank behind the legendary Walter Payton (8) for most all-time for non-quarterbacks since the merger in 1970.
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I remember going to watch the Bolts play the 49ers at Candlestick during that 2006 season and L.T. just flying over everyone for score after score. What a time.