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NFL Notebook: Tomlinson ready for rebirth as Jet
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LaDainian Tomlinson produced Hall of Fame credentials during a nine-year run with the Chargers, but he is the first to admit none of it matters now that he has begun the second -- and likely final -- phase of his career.
In his first public remarks since signing a two-year, $5.1 million deal with the Jets, Tomlinson said that he has to prove himself all over again. Especially after taking over for Thomas Jones, whose 1,402 rushing yards were nearly twice the 730 Tomlinson ran for last year.
"I don't expect anything to be given to me," Tomlinson said. "It's still on me to prove that I can still play in this league. Now here we are with a team like the Jets with a good offensive line. There are no more excuses."
Tomlinson picked the Jets over the Vikings, choosing the team that runs an offense like the one he had in San Diego.
"I think the major decision came down to having to learn a new offense vs. playing in an offense that I already know with Brian Schottenheimer," he said, referring to the Jets' offensive coordinator. Schottenheimer was the Chargers' quarterbacks coach from 2002-05.
To make things even brighter for Tomlinson, fullback Tony Richardson also agreed to terms on a one-year deal, keeping one of the league's best lead blockers for the NFL's top-rushing team.
The Packers signed former Australian rules football player Chris Bryan as a punter. ... The Rams added depth to the offensive line, signing veteran center Hank Fraley after the 10-year veteran was released by the Browns. ... Free agent linebacker Andra Davis signed a two-year contract with Buffalo.
First Published March 17, 2010 12:00 am
