NFL
Tomlinson agrees to contract extension
By The Source
Aug 13, 2004

San Diego, CA (Sports Network) - The San Diego Chargers and star running back LaDainian Tomlinson have agreed to a contract extension.

According to Chargers general manager A.J. Smith, the team and Tomlinson's representatives are still finalizing the details of the contract.

"I agreed to a contract," Tomlinson said on the team's website. "I'm not sure when I'll sign it. I'm going over the last details. I'll probably sign it in the next couple of days or so."

Tomlinson is one of the youngest stars in the NFL and can give defenses nightmares with his ability to run and catch. Last season, the TCU product became the first running back in NFL history to have at least 1,000 rushing yards and 100 catches in a season.

In 2003, Tomlinson rushed for 1,645 yards and 13 touchdowns on 313 carries. He also caught 100 passes for 725 yards and four scores.

The previous high in catches for a running back who also had 1,000 rushing yards was held by Roger Craig. The former 49er had 92 catches and 1,050 rushing yards in the 1985 season.

Tomlinson also broke a team record that he previously held as he racked up 2,370 combined yards last season. In 2002, Tomlinson had 2,172 yards of offense.

The 25-year-old Rosebud, Texas native was the fifth overall pick in the 2001 NFL Draft. He has 4,564 yards and 37 TDs on the ground, while racking up 1,581 yards and five scores receiving.

"Like I've said before, he's the best running back I've ever seen," Chargers head coach Marty Schottenheimer said. "He's a terrific player."