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Top 30 NFL players of the 21st century

By Jarrett Bailey

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 24: Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets reacts with Jordan Jenkins #48 before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 24: Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets reacts with Jordan Jenkins #48 before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images) /
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Charger RB LaDainian Tomlinson runs down the field as the San Diego Chargers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 20 – 9 on December 17, 2006 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA. (Photo by Tracy Frankel/Getty Images)
Charger RB LaDainian Tomlinson runs down the field as the San Diego Chargers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 20 – 9 on December 17, 2006 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA. (Photo by Tracy Frankel/Getty Images) /

5. LaDanian Tomlinson

L.T. is the greatest running back of the 21st century. No one at the position has been as dominant as he was for as long as he was over the last two decades. Tomlinson was drafted fifth overall by the Chargers in 2001, and was an immediate success.

He ran for over 1,200 yards his rookie season and accumulated 10 touchdowns on the ground. He was also a great receiver out of the backfield, catching 59 passes.Two consecutive seasons of 1,600 yards followed in 2002 and 2003, and Tomlinson was named to his first Pro Bowl in 2002.

In 2004, he led the NFL in rushing touchdowns with 17 and was named to his second Pro Bowl, as well as being First-Team All-Pro. This was the start of four consecutive seasons in which Tomlinson would be a Pro Bowler. The Chargers great had his best season in 2006. He broke the NFL record for rushing touchdowns in a season with 28, and had 31 touchdowns in total that season. His 1,815 rushing yards also led the league, and he was named NFL MVP.

Tomlinson retired with 13,684 rushing yards, where he currently ranks seventh all time. He was the heartbeat of the Chargers for a decade, and is the best running back of his era.

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