Is LT Being Forced into Retirement?

In a shocking, but not surprising, move by the San Diego Chargers, LaDainian Tomlinson was ultimately fired shortly after the season ended. This happens from time to time when a stellar player starts to put up some not so stellar stats in a season and the team can cut a little payroll. The fact that Darren Sproles was ready and willing to jump right in where LT left off played a huge part in this decision. The real question is whether the Chargers made the right move. Some would say that they were ready to move on, just like in the Drew Brees situation, but there are others that think this is another example of the Drew Brees or Eli Manning decision in which the Chargers are going to regret it in a year or two. No matter what side of the debate you are on, most fans agree that they hate to see Tomlinson leave "America's Finest City." Just like Junior Seau, Tomlinson looks to have several years of life left. The fact that he did not go on the IR at all last season is a testimony to his health and possible longevity. With the past few years being plagued by injury, it was refreshing to see LT in the post season this year. The fact that he appears to have left the injury curse behind him could speak volumes to any suitors this season. The big question is whether or not he will play again, and if he does, where will he call home for the couple seasons?

Believe it or not, there are a couple options available to this "old-timer" (He'll be 31 this year). While 31 may sound fairly young, it is not in the football world. Sure, there are some exceptions, like Favre who will likely be playing with his walker in a couple years, but the mid-thirties is usually the limit. This still gives LT a couple years until he really needs to retire. The Minnesota Vikings and New York Jets agree with this statement, and both of these teams are beginning to court LaDainian. There is likely going to be a small bidding war between the two teams, as they both realize the full package deal that they get with LT. When it comes to lighting a fire in people, LT rivals another San Diego upstart, Jake Peavy (MLB). Both of these athletes are true competitors and stand up guys as well. When it comes to attracting fans and being the face of the franchise, you would want these two up front and center. They can also infect everyone they come in contact with, with a winning drive that can take a team like the San Diego Padres to the post season (very impressive if you know baseball). Many owners will see this as worth a few million dollars of the contract.

There are several people that will argue the Tomlinson's 2009 stats as a reason for the running back to retire now. These stats do not paint an accurate picture. There was a lot going on last season, and while LT did not post his normal stats and had the worst numbers of his career, it is not time to throw in the towel just yet. There were some mitigating circumstances to this "poor" year. First of all, 730 yards on 153 carries is still not that bad. Believe it or not, there have been worse performances by a running back. LT only averaged 3.3 yards per carry, but there was a lot more emphasis placed on stopping the only threat the Chargers really had last season. The biggest reason for such poor numbers from Tomlinson was that he did not really play a whole season. After the first half of the season, the Chargers were so worried about him getting injured and wanting to truly test Sproles to see if he was ready, LaDainian was benched for the better part of the second half. Had he played his usual number of games, these numbers would not have been so low. The big problem with benching an athlete is that when they return, they are not at their optimum game. This is the reason for a preseason in most sports. This preseason will get the players used to the live game again. If you come back at the end and expect to play like you never stopped, you will be let down. Since LT did not get very many carries in the latter part of the season, when he did return to full time, he was not as sharp. So a shortened season really damaged his numbers for the '09 season.

Since LaDainian Tomlinson still has a couple years left and is currently jobless, where will he play next year? This is a good question. Right now, anyone close to LT (including LT himself) is remaining very tightlipped other than to say the obvious. The only thing that this future hall of fame player is missing is a nice shiny, fat ring. This is likely going to be his driving force on team selection. Considering the Vikes, and the Jets are both contending teams, he will likely pick the one that he feels is more likely to make it to the dance next season. It is no secret that Tomlinson wants a Super Bowl victory. He did his best to drive the Chargers to one the entire time he was in San Diego. He came fairly close, but the big game proved to be elusive for the star running back. Between the Vikings and the Jets, the Vikings look to be a little more competitive. The fact that Favre still has yet to make a decision may be the thing holding him in limbo. With Favre being a year older next season, he may not be as sharp as he was before. LT will want to know who will be leading the Vikings next year before any decision is made. If Minnesota chooses a rookie or an older Favre, he may be swayed toward the Jets. There is also the possibility that other teams are talking with him under the radar. There could be a dark horse team or two in the LT race that could snatch the Pro Bowler away. No Matter where he plays next season, he still has a few years left. It will be a nail biter until he announces his decision though. No matter who he chooses, expect them to at least make the post season, if not the big game.

Sources:

LaDainian Tomlinson Bio Page - Yahoo Sports

Unsigned Tomlinson Goes Home After Visit With the Jets - Associated Press