POWAY, Calif.- An emotional LaDainian Tomlinson says he's sad to be leaving the San Diego Chargers but is excited for the future.
"Sometimes emotions is what makes a person and as you guys know, I've always worn my emotions on my sleeve," he said, while breaking down in tears.
The star running back says he wasn't given a reason why the Chargers released him on Monday after nine mostly brilliant seasons in which he became one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.
"We all know this is a tough business and sometimes the team needs to make a decision on what's best for the ball club."
Speaking at a news conference in the ballroom at a suburban golf course, Tomlinson choked up after thanking his wife, LaTorsha, who was sitting to his right.
The 30-year-old Tomlinson says he hopes to play three or four more seasons.
He said his only "regret" is not winning a Super Bowl with the Bolts. "At the end of the day I say, I gave it everything I have."
"I'm really going to miss the LT jerseys, the bond we had together with the chants of LT, I'm going to miss that...I can't put into words what it has meant for me to play in this city, to be a part of this community, for nine years. I spent my youth here. It is definitely sad to leave, but I'm excited about the future."
"Hacksaw" on What's Next
SORRENTO VALLEY--There are few people who know the Chargers better than Lee "Hacksaw" Hamilton. The XX1090 host was the long-time voice of the team and has been a presence on the San Diego radio airwaves for decades.
To "Hacksaw," Tomlinson's contributions to San Diego were truly "special". "He was as popular and productive a player as Dan Fouts was. Obviously, Hall of Fame quality."
The veteran sports journalist said Tomlinson's tearful "good bye" press conference was emotional for everyone involved. "He wore his heart on his sleeve as a player and he wore his heart on his sleeve at this press conference."
But losing LT could only be the beginning of the problems for the Chargers this off season. "The reason we are dealing with tonight is a lot different than they were dealing with when they went 13-3."
Among the issues to contend with? "No LT, [running back Darren] Sproles goes on the market as a free agent, [special team star] Kassim Osgood has already said I'm probably leaving as a free agent, problems at cornerback, they are going to run [Antonio] Cromartie out of here."
"Hacksaw" said the team must also deal with offensive line injuries, a potential suspension of star wide out Vincent Jackson for DUI, subpar draft positions, and increasing restrictions in picking up new free agents.
"You've got a limited ability to solve the issues from the outside" he said.
In his view, Norv Turner's team will rely even more on the passing of quarterback Phillip Rivers next year. "There are ways to get running backs from other people, but he won't be a Tomlinson type of guy."
"Hacksaw" believes Turner never utilized Tomlinson's running skills as adeptly as his predecessor at Chargers head coach, Marty Schottenheimer.
So where will LT end up next? "Hacksaw" thinks the Philadelphia Eagles are the likeliest candidate. That franchise just parted ways with their long-time star, Brian Westbrook.
Still, Tomlinson's former team mate in San Diego, Drew Brees, is making a strong pitch for LT to come to New Orleans. If he joined the defending Super Bowl champs, he could team up with San Diegan Reggie Bush, who he mentored heavily while Bush was at USC.
"If New Orleans has all these San Diego connections, I'll tell you who won't like it, the people over at the fortress" said Hamilton.
The only certainty is the Chargers line-up will be in flux all summer long and Bolts fans will have to get used to seeing a man who wanted to "retire" a Charger in another uniform.
