Chargers considering former RB Tomlinson for role with team

SAN DIEGO -- LaDainian Tomlinson could soon be back with his former team, helping them carve out a niche in the ultra-competitive Los Angeles market.

According to someone familiar with ongoing negotiations, Chargers chairman Dean Spanos and Tomlinson are contemplating a possible role for the legendary Chargers running back as the team shifts operations to L.A.

Tomlinson's duties would include heading up the organization's ongoing work to develop a more impactful relationship with the Los Angeles community and growing the team's brand in L.A.

Tomlinson took an active role in community outreach during his nine-year career with the Chargers in San Diego, and could lean on that experience to help him model similar programs in Los Angeles.

According to the source, Tomlinson would not have a specific role in football operations for the Chargers, but the team's personnel department could call on him for advice. Tomlinson's focus would be on community outreach and team branding.

Tomlinson, 37, will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, this summer, becoming the 75th player inducted into the Hall of Fame on the first ballot.

Selected No. 5 overall by the Chargers in the 2001 draft, Tomlinson's nine seasons in San Diego included eight straight 1,000-yard rushing campaigns and five Pro Bowls.

Nicknamed "LT", Tomlinson finished his career as the Chargers' all-time rusher and No. 5 all-time in the league with 13,684 rushing yards.

He also owns the single-season touchdown record of 31 that he set during the 2006 season. Tomlinson's No. 21 jersey was retired by the Chargers in 2015.