LaDainian Tomlinson (born June 23, 1979) is an American football running back for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. Tomlinson was drafted in the first round (5th overall) of the 2001 NFL Draft in which he was part of an infamous trade which sent him to the Chargers and the 1st overall pick, Michael Vick to the Atlanta Falcons. He played college football at Texas Christian University. Tomlinson set several records during the 2006 NFL season by scoring a league-leading 186 points. He received additional honors by winning the NFL’s Most Valuable Player Award and the Associated Press’ Offensive Player of the Year Award.

Tomlinson is often referred to by his initials, LT. During Chargers' home games, the scoreboard at Qualcomm Stadium flashes his initials after a good offensive play.

LaDainian Tomlinson was born to Loreane Chappelle and Oliver Tomlinson in Rosebud, Texas. His early life was full of adversity; his brother and grandfather both died when he was a child, forcing him to support the remaining members of the family by himself.