LaDainian Tomlinson
by Roy S. Johnson; photography by Patrik Giardino
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Two years ago, Tomlinson would not have used those days to rest. He would have run stairs or found some other way to drive himself. Not coincidentally, the only NFL game he's missed came during the 2004 season, after an off-season when he would not listen to reason. "You learn," he says, "that your body needs to recover, too."
During the season, Tomlinson and Durkin work together more sporadically, with an emphasis on stretching and movement exercises with the medicine ball.
That's why 2006 was no accident. Not the career-high 1,815 yards or 28 rushing TDs, 10 more than he'd earned in any previous season. Until then, Tomlinson still largely slipped by all but the most savvy football fans. Indeed, in an age characterized by the flamboyant and controversial likes of Terrell Owens and Chad Johnson, who would've noticed the man behind the mask? Tomlinson says he wears the smoked-out visor, which shields his eyes from view, for two reasons: One is to protect him from the glare of the sun, which used to cause migraines. The other? "It adds to my personality," he admits. "I'm kind of a mask guy. I don't brag, I just do."
But how much more can he do? How close is Tomlinson to achieving his physical peak? "I'm very close," he says. "Last year, that was probably 95%."
Offensive coordinator Clarence Shelmon was promoted this season after coaching the Chargers' running backs for six years. He also held the position at Dallas, where he coached Emmitt Smith. "They have a lot in common," Shelmon says. "Both bring a business mind-set to their training. Some people may see having a chef as an extravagance. But they see their bodies as an investment."
Each season, Tomlinson has gotten smarter and more versatile, Shelmon says, which challenges the coach to add more L.T. wrinkles to the offense. More plays designed to get him the ball in the flat, in the open field, and, this season, farther downfield. "It just allows you to be more creative," Shelmon says.
During prior preseasons, Shelmon gave Tomlinson a list of personal goals. This season, they decided there was no need. "I'm at the point where I've done everything that a person can do individually," Tomlinson says. "This time, the individual stuff is over. It's all about the championships."
Across from L.T. in the Chargers' locker room sits Lorenzo Neal, a 15-year veteran fullback who, going into 2007, had played in 208 consecutive games and blocked for 10 consecutive 1,000 rushers, including Warrick Dunn (now of the Falcons) and former Tennessee Titan Eddie George. Neal is a warhorse, a throwback who sheds his pads slowly and speaks with passion. "I know that if I can just get a piece of a block and get him into the secondary with two safeties, I'll just roll over and look at the Jumbotron or listen for the roar," he says. I tell opponents, 'If you're seeing the back of 21, it's too late.'"
Given Neal's tenure, his words must be treated with a high level of respect. And you can believe he speaks for the majority in the locker room—if not the full squad—when he says Tomlinson is just reaching his stride. "All the great ones are unique," he is saying, his voice beginning to crescendo. "But they have one thing in common: Once they get it, it's only them and the game. I got history here. I'm blocking for possibly the best back ever, and the book is still being written. We're only in the middle chapters, baby, and I can't wait to see the conclusion.
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