‘LT’ retires as a San Diego Charger

Flanked by his family and President Dean Spanos, the Chargers all-time leading rusher flashed his trademark grin as he re-signed with the team and then immediately retired.

“Today is a special day, and that is because it is not often a player comes along that defines your team, and the NFL for that manner, for the better part of a decade than LaDainian Tomlinson,” Spanos said as he began the press conference. “He was the very heart and soul of this organization during one of its most successful decades. His accomplishments on and off the field were amazing.”

After a two-year stint with the New York Jets, Tomlinson saw it fit to return to San Diego and announce his retirement. For nine seasons he was the face of the franchise, embodying everything that is great about this city.

“I always felt like I was a Charger,” he said. “The guys, my teammates, the bond we built and the battles (we fought) together were special. I always felt in my heart that I was a Charger, so thanks to the Chargers organization and Dean Spanos and his family.”

Tomlinson ends his NFL career ranked fifth all-time in rushing yards and third in touchdowns.