La Dainian Tomlinson - L.T. Closes in on More TD Records

NFL 2009 La Dainian Tomlinson
La Dainian Tomlinson

Running back La Dainian Tomlinson ranks among the NFL's elite, especially when it comes to scoring touchdowns. In his career, Tomlinson ranks second in rushing touchdowns (126) and is tied for fourth in total TDs (141).

La Dainian Tomlinson also holds the NFL record for most consecutive seasons to begin a career with at least 10 rushing touchdowns with eight, an active streak heading into 2009.

Since entering the league in 2001, Tomlinson has been a model of consistency on the field and in the community. He has garnered numerous accolades, including earning AP NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2006, as well as off-the-field recognition by being named Walter Payton co-NFL Man of the Year.

Last year, Tomlinson helped the Chargers capture their third consecutive AFC West title and became the fifth player to rush for more than 10,000 career yards (11,760) and record 500 career receptions (510).

Cleveland Browns executive advisor and Pro Football Hall of Fame running back JIM BROWN says Tomlinson's unique ability to cutback and accelerate past defenders allows him to take advantage of defenses.

"L.T. has the ability to go three ways on you," says Brown, who led the league in rushing in eight of his nine NFL seasons. "When you run him off the edge, he puts any defender at a disadvantage. It's almost like an option play. He is the best in the league at that right now and he can go outside and break it back without breaking stride. He makes fluid cuts. He's got great acceleration, real fine speed and you can't tackle him. He does it in such a fluid manner. Most guys have to stop or slow down."

MOST CAREER RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS

*Active Source: National Football League
Emmitt Smith1990-2004164
LaDainian Tomlinson*2001-2008126
Marcus Allen1996-2000123
Walter Payton1978-1981110
Jim Brown1989-1992106

 

MOST CAREER TOUCHDOWNS

*Active Source: National Football League
Jerry Rice1985-2004208
Emmitt Smith1982-1997175
Marcus Allen1996-2000145
Terrell Owens*1996-2008141
LaDainian Tomlinson*2001-2008141

 

Most consecutive seasons to begin a career with at least 10 rushing touchdowns

*Active Source: National Football League
LaDainian Tomlinson*2001-20088
Earl Campbell1978-19814
Eric Dickerson1983-19864
Barry Sanders1989-19913
Emmitt Smith1990-19923

 

LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON, San Diego, needs 10 rushing touchdowns to extend his NFL-record streak of consecutive 10-touchdown seasons to begin a career to nine.

Tomlinson needs five touchdowns to surpass Terrell Owens (141) and Marcus Allen (145) to move into third place all-time (see Owens note). In eight seasons, Tomlinson has scored 141 touchdowns.

Tomlinson needs 1,000 rushing yards to become the fourth player in NFL history with nine consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons. Only Emmitt Smith (11), Barry Sanders and Curtis Martin (10) have accomplished the feat.

Tomlinson has gained 2,000 scrimmage yards three times in his eight-year career. With one more 2,000-scrimmage yard season, Tomlinson will tie Eric Dickerson, Marshall Faulk and Walter Payton (4) for the most all-time (see James note). Tomlinson has gained 2,000 combined yards three times in his career. Tomlinson needs one more season with 2,000 combined yards to tie Tiki Barber, Eric Dickerson, Marshall Faulk, Dante Hall, Brian Mitchell and Walter Payton (4) for the most all-time (see Hall and James notes).

Tomlinson has four 200-yard rushing games in his career. Tomlinson needs two to surpass Tiki Barber (5) and tie O.J. Simpson (6) for the most all-time.

Tomlinson needs 439 scrimmage yards to become the 10th player in NFL history with 16,000 scrimmage yards (see Bruce, Dunn and James notes). In eight seasons, Tomlinson has 15,561 scrimmage yards.

 

NFL 2009 Preview | La Dainian Tomlinson - L.T. Closes in on More TD Records