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Pro Football Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson joins Texas high school football team's coaching staff

Lawrence Andrew Fernandezby:Lawrence Fernandez•03/11/25•

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Pro Football Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson
San Diego Chargers former running back LaDainian Tomlinson poses with his bust during the Professional Football HOF enshrinement ceremonies at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. (Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)

LaDainian Tomlinson will be imparting his football knowledge to the next generation of players as he joins The Oakridge School as running backs coach and run game coordinator. His presence will help bolster a team that finished 7-3 last season but lost three of their last six games.

In a news release shared by WFAA’s Zachary Yanes, Oakridge Athletic Director Chad MacDonald believes that Tomlinson’s leadership on and off the football field will help build a culture of excellence.

Taking this role could be LaDainian Tomlinson’s way of giving back to his home state. The Rosebud-born running back played Texas high school football, baseball, and basketball at Waco’s University. During his senior year, his 2,554 rushing yards and 39 touchdowns earned him a spot in the 1997 All-State football team.

After high school, Tomlinson continued his football career in Fort Worth-based Texas Christian University from 1997 to 2000. While playing for the Horned Frogs, he became a two-time Western Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year and a Doak Walker Award winner as the nation’s best running back. Tomlinson added two All-American selections before declaring for the 2001 NFL Draft.

The San Diego Chargers took him fifth overall, going after Michael Vick, Leonard Davis, Gerard Warren, and Justin Smith. Tomlinson became a 2002 Second-Team All-Pro member after finishing with 1,683 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.

However, his career peaked in 2006, when he led the league with 1,815 rushing yards. Likewise, his 28 rushing touchdowns that season is still an NFL record. Those numbers earned him the Offensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards. The league also recognized his off-field contributions by naming him the 2006 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year.

LaDainian Tomlinson retired after playing 11 NFL seasons, nine with the Chargers and two with the New York Jets. He has eight All-Pro and five Pro Bowl selections, making him a part of the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team. Tomlinson finished his career with 19,100 yards from scrimmage and 169 total touchdowns (including playoffs).