Philip Rivers ‘Relieved’ to Not Have Tomlinson at Camp
Ladainian Tomlinson (L.T.) is perhaps the greatest running back in San Diego Chargers history. If and when he’s inducted in the Hall of Fame, everyone will remember him as a Charger. However, he still has some unfinished business before his career is over.
Tomlinson was released by the team that he helped build after another disappointing playoff loss by the Bolts in last year’s divisional round against the New York Jets. Ironically, once he was released, L.T. went to that same team and signed with the Jets.
Tomlinson was the man in San Diego for so long. Although his production has steadily declined in recent years, he was still a leader to the Chargers. Tomlinson is coming off a season in which he failed to reach 1000 yards, rushing for only 730 yards with 12 touchdowns. That was the only one of his eight seasons in San Diego in which he failed to reach 1000 yards.
Now this season, the legendary running back will be sharing carries with second-year back Shonn Greene.
The Chargers are making no bones about the fact that L.T. will be remembered as a Charger, but they’re also making it known how they feel.
Phillip Rivers, the Chargers franchise quarterback and undisputed leader, told a San Diego newspaper his feelings about this being his first season without Tomlinson in the backfield.
"I don't know how everyone feels or if they felt it," Rivers said. "Maybe it was a little bit of a relief. Maybe it's a feeling of, 'I can do a little more without wondering what he thinks.'"
Rivers’ comments do not surprise Tomlinson, nor do they bother him that much.
"Honestly, I really have no reaction to it," the running back replied. "I don't spend any of my time thinking about what's going on there because I'm so focused in this football team and job at hand. I've moved on."
The other face of the Chargers franchise, tight end (TE) Antonio Gates, shared his opinion on the matter as well. He went on to say that he feels his relationship with Rivers gives off a more down-to-earth vibe than his relationship with L.T.
"He has done a phenomenal job with opening relationships with people," Gates said. "When you talk about a great player, you have to be careful what you say. Obviously, I miss LT. I played with him a whole lot. But the reality is Philip and I have a more core friendship because of the openness."
Once again, the comments don’t bother Tomlinson, and he has no bitter feelings. He’s just getting ready for the upcoming season. Maybe he’ll bump into his old teammates somewhere down the line this season.
"It doesn't hurt me, but nothing surprises me because guys want to speak their opinion on things. Junior Seau went through the same thing with guys when he was the big star and he left the team and guys said how they felt about him. It's the same situation. Good luck to those guys," said Tomlinson.
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