Who is LaDainian Tomlinson

* LaDainian had a couple of brushes with greatness as a kid. Hall of Fame linebacker Mike Singletary once spoke at his school, and he was also nearly knocked over by Emmitt Smith at the star's football camp. The Dallas running back was in a hurry and didn't see the youngster in front of him.
* In 2000, LaDainian became only the third player in Division 1-A history to lead the nation in rushing in consecutive years, joining Iowa State's Troy Davis (1995-96) and Ricky Williams of Texas (1997-98). He racked up 5,263 rushing yards during his career at TCU, the sixth-highest total ever in D-1A.
* LaDainian gave the coaches at UTEP nightmares during his college career. In three games, he ran for 788 yards and 10 TDs.
* LaDainian followed in the footsteps of some famous TCU players, including Davey O'Brien (the school's only other Heisman winner), "Slingin'" Sammy Baugh, Jim "Rusk Rambler" Swink and Kenneth "Temple Tornado" Davis.
* In his pro debut, LaDainian carried the ball 36 times, third-best in Chargers history behind Marion Butts (39 in 1989) and Natrone Means (37 in 1998).
* With 1,603 yards from scrimmage in 2001, LaDainian broke the team record set by Lance Alworth in 1965.
* LaDainian rushed for more than 100 yards seven times in 2002, tying the team record set by Don Woods in 1974.
* In 2003, LaDainian received the JB Award for community service from James Brown, host of FOX's NFL pregame show.
* LaDainian has thrown two passes in the NFL career, completing both of them, including a 21-yard TD in 2003.
* No player other than LaDainian has ever rushed for 1,000 yards and caught 100 passes in the same season. Roger Craig was the standard bearer before him. In 1985, he ran for 1,050 yards and hauled in 92 passes.
* LaDainian has a tattoo of a lightning bolt on one of his calves. He got it to remind him of the day the Chargers drafted him. He has another of his mother on his left shoulder, which reads "My Inspiration - Loreane."
* San Diego's old-time powder blue uniform is LaDainian's favorite.
* LaDainian's hobbies include golf and video games.
* LaDainian and his wife, LaTorsha, live in a 10,000 square-foot home in Poway, California.
* LaDainian serves as a mentor for Tony Delgate, a student from University High School.
* LaDainian is a big Lakers fan. He often makes the two-hour drive to Los Angeles to watch the team at the Staples Center.
* LaDainian is into classic cars. He owns a restored 1964 cherry-red Chevy Impala.
* LaDainian is involved in a variety of charitable causes. He hosts the LaDainian Tomlinson Celebrity Golf Tournament, which supports the LT School is Cool Scholarship Fund and the I Am Foundation. He runs two football camps, one in March at San Diego's Hoover High School and another in Waco, Texas at Baylor University. His "21 Club" welcomes kids from San Diego youth groups and nonprofit organizations to Charger home games. Afterwards, he accompanies the group to a local restaurant for dinner and a night of entertainment. Each child who goes receives a goodie bag filled with school supplies, books and games.

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