Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Tomlinson's last electric glide

The days of LaDainian Tomlinson as a fantasy stud and as a San Diego Charger are officially over.

The Bolts released LT2 (there can never be another LT) on Monday as widely expected. That's the unfortunately reality for a 30-year-old running back whose stats have been in decline. Tomlinson, for years a surefire No. 1 fantasy pick, averaged a pedestrian 3.3 yards a carry last year and didn't crack the 100-yard mark in a game, breaking the hearts of many fantasy players along the way. And just like that, the Chargers sent him packing.

I don't think LT2 is done just yet, as he's professed his wish to continue playing for a contender. Someone will give him a shot, and deservedly so, perhaps as part of a running back rotation or as a short-yardage back. He may even have some fantasy value next year, depending on where he lands and how they use him. But it will definitely be weird seeing him without a lightning bolt logo on his helmet - think Emmitt Smith in Cardinals red or Franco Harris in Seahawks silver. And it will certainly feel strange in fantasy circles when Tomlinson's name isn't called in the first round next year.

At least we'll always have the Electric Glide video.

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