L.T… it won’t be easy or will it?
LaDainian Tomlinson already has a head start in his post career, but it still won’t be easy. An athletes transition can be one of the hardest times on their life.
Many of you know L.T. as one of the greatest running backs ever to play the game. Although that is true, I see someone that understood that football was a short term career. Be it that L.T. played 11 years, over 3 times times longer than the NFL average of 3.5 years, he squeezed out numerous endorsements, probably an extra two years in the league as more of a player/mentor to young running backs and started a doggy day care business with his wife Torsha. I have met L.T. before and I know Torsha pretty well. They are both strong people and of great character and I am sure their two kids will be happy to have Dad around on Sundays for a little while, at least until football gets back in full swing.
Now what is the reality? The next 2-3 years will be very difficult. L.T. will go through withdraws like every other player retiring from the NFL. Withdraws…? Yeah, withdraws. The withdraws will be from his team, the competition, the structure, the locker-room and the fans. No one knows how hard it will be. Will it be harder because he played longer or will it be easier because he got the full experience and left on his own terms?
I am sure L.T. will have an analyst job waiting for him at one of the major studios, but will it fill the void? Only time will tell.
I wish L.T. and Torsha the very best in their life after football and I look forward to a successful transition. L.T., always know that www.AthleteGamePlan.com is only a click away if you need it.
I think it is important to note General Manager, A.J. Smith and the Chargers organization made a class move bringing L.T. back to retire as a Charger and I would have guessed nothing less. A.J. has been a father figure and mentor to me since 2002.
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