The Great LaDanian Tomlinson Hangs Up his Cleats for Good

Tweet

He had an amazing football career and played as tough as nails.  Now, LaDanian Tomlinson is going off into the land of the retired.   Let’s hope that he doesn’t have any brain injuries or physical ailments, and that he has saved his money through the years.  If so, he will get to spend the next few years patiently waiting to take his place in the NFL Hall of Fame.

The conversation with LaDainian Tomlinson came toward the end of last season. Privately, Tomlinson was circumspect about his future, not as definitive about staying in the game as he was publicly. But there was something he said that made me believe we would never see Tomlinson on the field again.

It was, in effect: I don’t want to be one of those guys who just hangs on just to hang on.

Tomlinson doesn’t need the money; he has taken care of his. He no longer needs a pat on the back; his bust, no doubt, will adorn the Hall of Fame as soon as he’s eligible. So he walks away, retiring officially on Monday, when a great player should: on top, mostly of his own choosing, with body and mind intact.

READ MORE