LaDainian Tomlinson will wave green flag to start Daytona 500

Former NFL running back LaDainian Tomlinson will wave the green flag for the start of the 2017 Daytona 500.

The former All-Pro with the Chargers and the New York Jets is one of 18 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class and had a small role in the 2016 NASCAR Cup Series awards ceremony in December.

Tomlinson will make his acting debut in the movie "God Bless The Broken Road," and one of the co-stars in the film, Jordin Sparks, will sing the national anthem prior to the Feb. 26 race at Daytona International Speedway.

"His NFL career is legendary and he has always been the consummate professional, on and off the field," said Chip Wile, president of Daytona International Speedway.