LT Tells Us What He Really Thinks

Published: Monday, January 7, 2008 11:01 AM PST

E-MAIL STORY

After every game, LaDainian Tomlinson faces the media. Sunday night was the 17th game of the season for this routine.

Same thing goes for LT at Monday follow-up press gatherings at Chargers Park. And all week long after practices.

It would be human nature to go through the motions on some of those press gatherings, and it would be expected from time to time from many superstars of Tomlinson's stature.

But just like the way he plays the game, Tomlinson never goes through the motions. He always has thoughtful answers.

The Chargers' comeback 17-6 win over the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Wild Card playoffs round Sunday at Qualcomm Stadium was another example. One of the questions Tomlinson was asked was whether he was happier for his head coach, Norv Turner, or his quarterback, Philip Rivers.

Turner is in his first year with the Chargers following the franchise's disappointing first-round playoff losses under former coach Marty Schottenheimer in 2004 and 2006.

Rivers is in his second year as a starter and Turner says his quarterback has received unfair criticism for the team's losses in what is now a 12-5 season with the next playoff game Sunday at the Indianapolis Colts.

It would have been easy for Tomlinson to give a clich� answer about how the Chargers play as a team and win or lose as a team and then do what he really wanted to do -- get home and be with his wife.

But, as usual, Tomlinson gave thoughtful answers.

LT jumps over the pack for a touchdown Sunday against the Titans. Photo: Sam Hodgson.
"Man, kind of both," Tomlinson said. "But if I had to pick one, maybe Norv a little bit more. Norv was brought here into an odd situation. It was either get us back in the playoffs and win a game in the playoffs or you're a failure. That was kind of what he was given. With Philip, he's just like us. He's one of the guys. If we lose, it's on us, not just Philip. So a little bit more for Norv.

"Norv got the raw end of the stick," LT continued. "Early on when people started booing and yelling for Marty, that was kind of unfair to him."

A follow up question was whether Turner was emotional in the locker room. Again, some superstars would have given a curt answer, saying that's between the team.

"Yeah, he was a bit emotional," Tomlinson said, "He was."

-- TOM SHANAHAN

2 Comments so far on this story...

It was such a relief to see the guys pull out a hard fought win but I have to say ,where is the creativity with the play calling that was evident everyweeked last year?. I mean -hey Norv is suppossed to be a offensive guenius right? I mean the opposing teams know exactly what routes LT is going to run every time so its easy to stuff him. Last years offensive play calling was way more creative and to beat the Colts thats what they are going to have to be. War the defense thats doing such a good job. Can Jammer acually wear his man like a glove? He is the only weak spot on our otherwise hot D. Go Bolts ! D wins the big ones.

Posted by Jack | reply to this comment
January 8, 2008 12:33 pm

LT recalls the Sunday at church when he accepted Christ at the age of 14. “I just started to cry for some reason," he remembers. "I couldn’t stop crying. I felt like a baby all over again. At the same time, I felt like my life had changed. From that point on, I knew that if I had faith in God that He would take me wherever I wanted to go, as long as I praised His name and as long as I gave Him all the glory in whatever I did.” As Tomlinson rewrites the NFL’s record book, he continues to grow in his walk with the Lord. "Over the years as I went through a lot more things,” LT continues, “I’ve gotten closer and closer to God as far as praying a lot more, [and] being into the Word. The thing about it is learning more about God and His purpose for you each and every day [and] just trying to live your life right.” LT proudly displays a tattoo on his right arm that confirms he’s “In God’s hands.” “As long as you believe in [God], no matter what happens in your life, understand that it's all for a purpose. Try to understand what God wants you to do in this lifetime. Once you find that out, your life will be more clear, and you will understand exactly what you need to do to be successful.” Tomlinson is purpose driven both on and off the gridiron. "I always feel the Lord has a plan for my life.”

Posted by Steve Karges | reply to this comment
January 8, 2008 7:13 pm

Reader feedback

Users may post more than one comment, but should not pose as multiple users. Multiple posts from the same IP address but with a different user name on each will be reviewed to determine whether abuse has occurred.
Posts with overly personal attacks or unsubstantiated allegations may be edited or deleted.
Please be patient with the posts -- there may be a delay before they appear on the site -- and make sure to enter the code in the "image verification" box.