According to ESPN.com, the 32-year-old football pro signed a one-day contract with the San Diego Chargers (the team his career started with) on Monday (June 18) and then announced his retirement.
"It wasn't because I didn't want to play anymore. It was simply time to move on," Tomlinson said.
Tomlinson had a brilliant 11-year NFL career, rushing for 13,684 yards (fifth all-time), and scoring 162 touchdowns (third all time). His 145 rushing touchdowns are second-most in history. Additionally, he also passed for seven touchdowns.
L.T. turns 33 on Saturday (June 23). He said that he knew at the end of last season that he'd likely retire, explaining that while he was still physically capable of playing, the mental toll to play at a high level wears on you.
Tomlinson wasn't the emotional wreck he was two years ago after being released by the Chargers. While announcing his retirement, he recalled the news conference when former teammate Junior Seau announced his first retirement in 2006.
"He said, 'I'm graduating today.' I've been playing football 20-some years and so at some point it almost seems like school every year where you sacrifice so much and there is so much you put on the line, mentally and physically, with your body, everything," Tomlinson said. "So today, I take the words of Junior Seau: I feel like I'm graduating. I really do, because I've got my life ahead of me, I'm healthy, I'm happy with a great family and I'm excited to now be a fan and watch you guys play."
L.T. was picked with the #5 overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft, and played for San Diego through the 2009 season before signing with the New York Jets as a free agent. In his last season, he served as a third-down back for the Jets, notching career lows in almost every stat category.
Tomlinson is a five-time Pro Bowler, four-time First-Team All-Pro, a two-time NFL rushing leader, and was named the AP NFL MVP in 2006.
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