LaDainian Tomlinson was drafted No. 5 overall by the San Diego Chargers in the 2001 NFL Draft out of TCU. 170 regular-season games · 10 seasons as a starter · 129 career approximate value
- Overall pick
- #5
- Round
- 1
- Draft class
- 2001
- NFL games
- 170
- Years as starter
- 10
- Career AV
- 1291st at TCU
- Pro Bowls
- 5
- All-Pro
- 3
The pick
How LaDainian Tomlinson came off the board in 2001.
- Position
- Running back RB
- College
-
TCU
Big 12 at the draft
- Side of the ball
- Offense
NFL career
170 regular-season games · 10 seasons as a starter · 129 career approximate value
- Games played
- 170
- Seasons as a starter
- 10
- Career approximate value
- 1291st among TCU picks
- AV with the drafting club
- 12194% of career value
- Final season
- 201110 years after the draft
- Accolades
- Hall of Fame · 3× All-Pro · 5× Pro Bowl
Around pick 5
Who came off the board on either side of LaDainian Tomlinson.
Florida
Missouri · 1× All-Pro · 5× Pro Bowl
Georgia · Hall of Fame · 3× All-Pro · 7× Pro Bowl
California · 1× Pro Bowl
TCU in the 2001 draft
Teammates who went in the same class.
Other RB picks from TCU
The program's most accomplished players at the same spot.
About this draft profile
Last updated Aug 24, 2026
LaDainian Tomlinson in the 2001 NFL Draft
LaDainian Tomlinson is a Running back out of TCU selected No. 5 overall by the San Diego Chargers in the 2001 NFL Draft. 170 regular-season games · 10 seasons as a starter · 129 career approximate value TCU has produced 103 NFL draft picks since 1980.
Where this data comes from
Pick order and career outcomes come from the nflverse draft archive; position, measurables, and conference at the time of the draft come from the college feed. Career columns stay empty until a player logs regular-season snaps.
Frequently asked questions
Where was LaDainian Tomlinson drafted?
LaDainian Tomlinson was selected No. 5 overall by the San Diego Chargers in the 2001 NFL Draft (Rd 1). Full pick detail at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/players/2001/ladainian-tomlinson.
What college did LaDainian Tomlinson play for?
LaDainian Tomlinson played college football at TCU in the Big 12. See every TCU draft pick at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/schools/tcu-horned-frogs.
How did LaDainian Tomlinson's NFL career turn out?
170 regular-season games · 10 seasons as a starter · 129 career approximate value Accolades: Hall of Fame · 3× All-Pro · 5× Pro Bowl. Career outcome data at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/players/2001/ladainian-tomlinson.