LaDainian Tomlinson HOF RB growing up on slave plantation & his biggest disappointment | The Pivot
Вставка
- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- SUBSCRIBE HERE: / @thepivotpodcast
GET MERCH HERE: www.pivotpodca...
Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson sat with Ryan, Channing and Fred to talk about his football career and personal life, transcending from his childhood to family values to his unique path to the NFL as well as shares some of his truths and misconceptions along the way.
There is a certain weight professional athletes carry when they make it to the pinnacle of their sport. As is the case with certain players, though, the pressures can lead to emotions they’ve never felt before. For LaDainian Tomlinson, growing up with just his mom in a place that held so much negative history was the burden he bore.
Tomlinson was a fifth overall pick, played in five Pro Bowls and still holds the NFL record for rushing and scrimmage yards in a season from his 2006 MVP campaign with the Chargers. He was on top of the world for a stretch of seasons and after finishing college as a Heisman finalist, had dominated at each level of the sport. LT gets into the truth behind why he kept his helmet on during the AFC Championship game that he was sidelined for and shares one of his most disappointing moments in life.
Growing up without a dad in the picture very much caught up to him, and left a hole in his life and a desire to get to know his dad more and have the opportunity to spend time with him, but when his dad passed in 2007, LaDainian felt like the chance was missed to get to know him and understand the man he really was. Through his faith and acceptance, he began a journey to learn about his ancestry, and soon found out that his relative’s home of Tomlinson Hill was a slave plantation his ancestors had worked on.
His career that he has described as “close but no cigar” had many iconic moments away from the game, and LT touches on his iconic Hall of Fame acceptance speech as well as his “A Football Life” feature.
With all of his jukes, hurdles and power moves throughout his career, LaDainian Tomlinson’s biggest pivots came away from the game. His championship moments will define his legacy, and his calls for unity represent both history and the future he is hoping to help build.
New episodes drop on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m ET on UA-cam, with audio available on all streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Amazon.
FOLLOW THE PIVOT PODCAST:
INSTAGRAM | / thepivot
TWITTER | / thepivot
TIKTOK | / thepivot
FACEBOOK | / thepivotpodcast
SPOTIFY | open.spotify.c...
APPLE PODCASTS | podcasts.apple...
#ThePivot
#Podcast
#ChanningCrowder
#FredTaylor
#RyanClark
#NFL
First of all how has The Pivot not hit 1 million subs yet. This is mind boggling. Also let’s appreciate how good the crew has become at interviewing people. Keep it up fellas.
Marketing, they don’t push ppl to subscribe. I really wish they did.
RIGHT
Cause Ryan’s divisive lol people get upset about strong opinions. If it was just comedy and entertainment like nightcap it would but that’s not what the shows about.
@@LongJohn9411 you sound Sassy, sir!
Probably cuz Channing be saying weird shit to grown men
San Diego Charger fan here. LT was the heart and soul of the city while he was here. Hero to many of us youngsters at the time. Bring our boys home.
I’m from San Diego but grew up a Green Bay Packers fan. But I have so much respect for LT. you’re right, he was the only reason the chargers were ever relevant. It’s a shame Brees didn’t pan out in SD. Who knows what kind of combo they would have been
Boy, that boy nice! One of my favorite players.
Lt my favorite player of all the coming from a falcons fan wish we didn’t take Vick tbh
34:00
Philly Riv was our heart and soul in SD. LT hated an just wanted to run with Marty instead of win with Norv
LT Facemask & Visor Combo Was 🔥
Yea, dafuq it was! Clean, too. Couldn't see his eyes, and when he hit defenders with that cut, it was over.
Legendary
Thee Best 🔥✊🏾
That man was clean
Plus you gotta factor in the Lorenzo Neal bulldog facemask also. Imagine being a linebacker and it's third and 1 on the goal line. You look in the backfield and see those two monsters, and you know what's coming... you just can't do shit about it.
LT, Mike Vick, Djack. Literally the reasons I love football so much as a boy that never played it. Definition of electric right here
Vick was on some real video game shit out there. Most exciting ever.
Mike Vick n d jack was so lit🔥🔥
Can’t Forget Ray Lewis & Deion Sanders I Played Defense Lol 😂
Respect
LT is the reason I played football. He meant so much to all the kids growing up in San Diego. Awesome episode!
He’s the reason I had a visor 😂
LT my favorite NFL player EVER. He was special in his prime man. Love this interview
Facts idk how those chargers teams didn’t win a super bowl
Ditto
Facts! He was different bruh lol.
@@D.ocument.The.Journeymanning Brady and Big Ben is probably why? LT was def the best back but QBs are hard to beat as a RB unless it was college
This was long overdue. He was literally a perfect guest for this show 😂
This combo Fred, Cam, and Ryan are a perfect combo. They play off each so well falling into their lanes. Ryan is the host that keeps the interview moving and brings in the deeply researched questions. Freddy fines the emotional core of the interviewee, and Cam keeps the vibes light which brings out great stories that are unique.
*Chan or Channing
At Age 6 my first NFL jersey was a powder blue LT jersey. LT is the reason I played football and even the RB position. He really set the standard for the position. He’s #1 in my book always. Bolt Tf Up ⚡️⚡️⚡️
I still have my powder blue LT jersey from his rookie season.
We didn't know watching him and AP back then that we would probably never see another running back as great as them....that position is dead in 2024 sadely
It's good to see LT get in-depth exposure. I always felt that as great as LaDainian was, he was undervalued by mainstream media...
LT is so humble bro
LT seems to be a very well-rounded and kind human mane. Great interview from The Pivot as always 🔥
Man, that LT was like a superhero on TV I swear to it. This brings back memories. Thank you pivot. Stay blessed!
As a 35 year man born n raised in Texas LT wasn’t lying about playing sideline kill that’s a Texas thang frfr… brought back memories of our childhood
I’m 33. Born & raised in NC. Growing up we call it “sideline pops” & mannn it definitely brings back memories. If you was soft you better not run up the side of the street 🤣
In illinois we called it Sideline wreck! Made you tough.
Just subscribed. I enjoyed these guys when they played and I really enjoy The Pivot. They all 3 are very articulate and intelligent. In my opinion they represent well. Thank you
I’m from Ga we called it “sideline bust” idk why they didn’t know what he was talking about
Yessir!!
The way Channing facial expression when he LT mentions Cam Cameron name lol😂😂😂😂😂😂
😂😂😂😂😂😂
He gets mad every time!! I was like oh nooo here it comes! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I love how the podcast started and finished. Podcast of the year! 🎉🎉
LT my fav player ever grew up a charger fan watching him at Qualcomm. Man I didn’t know just how blessed I was seeing him play live and how good we had it as Charger fans. Best back of 21st century and one of the greatest to ever do it
🙏🏿
He was the reason why I started watching football. I been to 8 different stadiums and LT is the only player I got to witness whenever he touched the ball, the whole stadium went crazy. I’ve seen Brady, manning, and Rogers play live and never seen the reaction like how LT got. When he was a charger, chargers were chargers fan. When he left, every home game felt like an away game. I’m with you, I’m so glad and blessed that I got to witness him playing live in SD. He literally electrified Qualcomm stadium during his prime.
Did you ever get to see him have any of his 200 yard games or 50 hard TD runs???
Great interview had the honor going to church with LT and his wife in San Diego one of the kindest humble players ever met 😊
LT and Marshall Faulk are the most dynamic duo threats RBs I’ve ever witness. It was a joy to watch their careers from college to the NFL. Salute🫡
Check out Marcus Allen and Roger Craig. Some of the earlier backs like that.
Check out forte
Mcgahee and Portis
@@SdyneyDeantwo of my favorites EVeR. Portis first two seasons and especially year 2 are two of the best rushing seasons of my entire life, maube of all time.
Willis coming back from that injury to rush for 1k with THREe different teams is ridiclpus.
But neither were receiving backs on the levels of Faulk, LDT, Craig or Allen. I think Willis and portis each had like 1 or 2 40 catch seasons though, not terrible! But also a lot of 20 catch seasons
I've seen countless episodes of "The Pivot" and I believe this was the best one yet. It's amazing to see the other side of NFL players. Channing you are Americas number one hater in a good way. Freedy T has a quiet but effective way of get his point across. RC I'm putting up there with some of the top broadcasters in the business. LT was amazing on the field and off. LT was well spoken and engaging. He can teach the younger players a lot about how to carry themselves.
DAWG!!!! Thank you pivot this is such a huge interview bruh!!! LT was freaking great
Born and raised in the Crenshaw District and we called it “Sideline Pop” growing up. That ain’t just the country RC!
Big facts lol.sidelined pop fasho
On me! Cars, Curb, Bushes, you gettin cracked into all that haha
Grew up in Watts is called sideline pop fasho
Right!!!! Thank you I couldn't think of the name when he described it
Atlanta we called it sideline kill too 💯
Growing up LT was the best back to me. Agility speed durability power blocking catching man he did it all. Plus that 31 touchdown season.
💯!!
Yes. I was always mesmerised with his running style.
One of the best episodes yet! Great conversation and story telling. I could listen to LT for hours.
This man (LT) is the reason I became and still am to this day a Chargers fan. By far one of the best to ever do it. Forever an idol
Growing up as a kid in San Diego seeing LT, Antonio Gates and Junior Seau was an unbelievable experience. It’s so sad not having a home football team anymore
This was one of the best interview ive seen, informative, honest and well prepared on all levels
You can always tell an episode is gonna be Fire when Fred get to talking talking. Plus anytime Fred gets to talk with other greats like himself. He opens up like a book! Great episode!
Two of my favorite running backs growing up FT and LT!
One of the best RBs to do it and as a Niners Fan living in San Diego when the Chargers played everyone was hyped... Glad he got into the HoF...
Two of the greatest backs in NFL History in the same room choppin it up!! Much respect LT and FreddyT
This was a great interview! I love seeing fellow brothers smiling and enjoying themselves.
Inspiring.
Much love LTband love the crew as always this was touching
My favorite player growing up. Dude was just so smooth and strong.
And always a good guy. Not some diva
I always learn and walk away from The Pivot with a deeper understanding of life. LT is special. The part about him and his father changed my perspective on fathers and sons. Especially when they are raised apart and the emotional distance
One of the best shows up to this point for The Pivot.
What a mic drop at the end.
Wow......this was powerful!!! I really, really enjoyed this interview. LT is a wonderful person!!! His Hall of Fame speech was exceptional. Great Job guys!!! Excellent!!!
Favorite interview so far! Always love when you guys bring legendary backs on the show 💯
Wow! What a testimony!❤😢
one of the best ones so far LT was one of my favorites growing up made me want to play hb what a strong testimony 🔥🔥
Being from killeen seeing LT growing up, coming outta waco only an hour from me man this interview had me hooked. Huge inspiration to me.
I’m from Waco so I know exactly what you mean
South Waco University Middle
The good ol 254! Born and raised there but live in Florida now. 🫡
@@Markyteekb Yessir i’m in ATX now ain’t nothing good in the 254 still home tho 💯
Dude was unreal! I'm a Steelers fan but loved me some LT
OMG that was sooooo awesome!! Thank you ALL!!
LT is one of the best RBs ever, but doesn’t he look like he can be Bubba Dub’s daddy😂😂😂
💀💀💀💀 frfr tho
Facts
😂😂
😂😂😂
He's not,with all his $$$$ he can't SHOW OR PROVE he has 1 ancestor from no damn africa 😂!!!!! 😤
Incredible episode man. I see why LT won the Walter Payton award. Seems like hell of a guy. Class act. Love to the Pivot man you guys are doing what's necessary!
I sure love watching this program. As a 70 year old white man I learn so much about a black persons perspective about so many different challenges not just the guest on the show but their family and ancestors. My only wish is if someone on the program is taking Gods name in vain, they would blip it out.
When you come to a man’s home, receive what is offered and leave what’s not for you but don’t make requests, especially when you’re seeing something new. God ain’t finished with none of us yet.
Grace
Great post but let’s just leave religion out of this. My god
My comment was not meant to be religious but relationship. You are right God is not finished with us yet. My request was not made out of being judgmental but a request of reverence for a Holy God. I’m sure all of our stories are different but when I hear a curse word connected to God it breaks my heart. Yes, if i am offended, i could stop watching but I love the success stories and the impact they will have on people’s lives. It was not my intention to be religious or judgmental but to say can we not have a conversation without taking God’s name in vain.
As a white man u got no say
My friend you can't just have the parts you want... You have to embrace it all.... You don't have to like it, but you can't change who these guys are and they are not there to be censored... Sorry...
I'm from Ft. Worth TX and we played sildeline kill when I was a kid waaay back in the 70s. I mention that to people that didn't grow up in TX and they would have no idea what I was talking about.
Dope interview. Watched the entire episode from SE San Diego 💯
Lincoln High!
El Cajon in here too
Paradise Hills in the building
I attended the Maryland vs Virginia game in 1999, Lamont Jordan went for 300 yards. Thomas Jones went for over 100. I went home and turned on the TCU game and watched LT go for 400. Followed him all that season, got that rookie Chargers jersey moment he got dfrafted. Wore 21 throughout high school because of him. LT such a legend.
Slavery is only one generation away for some of us. To those that may have the response of “Oh, it was so long ago,” when us Blacks speak so passionately about our rights and this continuous fight against the system. We’ve made progress, but oppression and “The Agenda” still exists today.
Thanks for sharing, LT.
Otherwise, amazing interview by one of the goats and a reasons why I started watching football.
@dawgatheart do you think the civil rights movement achieved it's goal particularly with how wide the racial wealth gap is at the moment?
Growing up in Baltimore me and a couple of my friends did those weird things as well. Dodging cracks and spots on the ground, spinning off of light poles, throw up tackle etc.. even with the basketball ball spinning off of light poles and dribble in the four squares, crates on the light pole..great conversation as always guys!! Much love and respect!! GOD bless!!
Great episode! So much transparency & vulnerability from LT....Great questions fellas....
I. Starting watching this show around about five something and was glued in. Couldn’t turn it off. One the best Pivot show podcast ever. You guys are awesome. LT wow. You guys need a TV show. Wooow,!
Wow!! Awesome interview!!👏🏾👊🏾 Truly love the Pivot!!💕👏🏾
⚡️⚡️LT, charger legend !! Appreciate the excitement and joy he brought to San Diego ! Much love!
RC, I'm from Compton, California......and WE played "Sideline Kill" in the streets as well. ✊🏾
Hub city baby 💯
FACTS!
@@jaaymoney3832 you know whut it is Family. ✊🏾
💪🏾
We don’t need a million subscribers . This podcast is for us that need these conversations. Keep going , great job !
3:40 classy and respectful. Blessed.
I played in college but not at the next level.... This is real football talk about real football at the emotional and physical level... The in your head part of football which is just as Important as the physical part... Maybe enough people don't know this and it isn't as compelling to the average person. .... This will get traction but I am surprised it is not over 1,000,000 subs also... This is pure gold...This is one of the best conversations about I have ever heard about football
This Was A PHENOMENAL EPISODE!!!
I have watched every episode of the pivot since its inception. THIS one is VERY special to me. LT is great story teller. And the 3 of you vibe’in on his accomplishments and how impacted each of you is great to see. Freddy T - I love to see you light up when you have ya partners in position in the show. Well done fellas! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🫶🏽
Great convo fellas. L.T was a monster.!
Excellent interview gentleman you allowed us to see inside the lines of life as a child and growth because of your circumstances Grace, Grace, Grace, 🙏🏾❤️…. All you have to do is BELIEVE…..
LT was my favorite running back when he was in his prime. He ran with authority. Fred Taylor ran with force and grace. Great runners.
I love listening to Fred and other RBs❤️❤️❤️
I Only use to watch NBA until I saw LT have that run in 06. Just unstoppable. He turned me into a football fan.
Clicked right on this Friday show. This was my LT from childhood. I remember I got the Bolts 21 at the HOF and thought I was a chargers fan, in Philly
LT is the 🐐 in my eyes. I wore his cleats from 07-09. Wanted to play RB because of him.
YES!! Here we go again ANOTHER ONE ❤ great job guys Keep up the good job loving the vibe it's on point🎯🎯🎯
Dear Mr. Tomlinson my name is Joe Lopez and I am a die hard raider fan. I have to admit , I hated your guts , I hated watching you run all over my favorite team like you were a demi god. I would pray that somehow you would get hurt and I would have to watch you run all over my team. But that never happened even when it locked like you might be hurt you would run all over them. I hated Marty schotenhimer with a purple passion. But I had a lot of respect for him . And also had a lot of respect for you . I think you were one of the best running backs I had ever watched on TV . You may not have won a championship but you are a true champion in everybody's hearts. you are a good man. And I just want to say I think Marty used you too much. And I think you deserve a championship and I wish you would have gotten one . I just felt I needed to say that. I hope this message reaches you for you are truly blessed.
Sideline kill is definitely a real game down here in Houston. I remember getting hit through somebody’s fence one time
😂😂😂😂 nbs i den put some body in a car grill before 😂😂😂
we call it sideline bust. soft kids stayed in the street. We also played 4 downs hard. Had to score in 4 downs...lol.
That last moment when LT says: “….that’s the pivot” and smiles. Made me love LT more
We called it sideline bust. We played it here in GA. Tag in the street, tackle by the grass. Then throw up tackle. We did all that. These kids too soft nowadays. RC it's a real thing dude. Rites of passage!
It was throw ‘em up buss em up . Georgia boys!!
Here in Philly it was called rumble fumble
@@abdulbynum8671 yeah Philly was about the only state up north we respected as far as football fr.
Football in the South just different from Texas to Georgia.
No kizzy. Sideline bust. Don't let the grass be high we going to the Sideline every run 😂
@@LawlessVictory888for sure I wanted my nephew to go to Georgia to play ball I told him it’s different down there and Texas
Mid-2000s Lions fan, I always had a lot of respect of LT and fan of his game. This interview brings all that respect flooding back and even more. Great man and great RB. I would be happy to hear his thoughts on the game in the booth or on TV.
Incredible episode and amazing guest!!
Man! This is infectious!! LT is one of my all time favorite players... and the interaction between him and CC, Fred and RC is invaluable...
Lt was my favorite player growing up. Since becoming Christian he’s inspired me even more
Oh god 😂
Terrific interview…
It’s a great lesson, a great family creates great character.
AYE Alicia! Yall gotta start cutting in a highlight during some of these stories. Would have loved to see the clip while they were talking about the stiff arm 💪🏾
LT: "That's the pivot!" My man laid out the real life gospel. Amazing story brother, thank you for sharing!
42:00 I can't lie I'm still not feeling his response on his family origin story... I don't know how proud I could be in carrying on that history... But this was a great interview... ❤
That honors his ancestors & how what they endured allowed him to be here. It's better than denying your roots like some do. (Only thing I don't like is that shared history talk, the Tomlinson family only gave his West African ancestors their name)
It’s better than not accepting your roots. Because if you don’t accept it you’ll go through your whole life not knowing your true identity
I'm on the fence about it also. Like we didn't choose to be slaves. It's not our history nor our ancestors - the slave aspect. Ok his gave his land but respectfully nah
@@lgsg2825It Also Isn’t Your Life & LT Is A Successful & Wise Man. Thats All You Should Care About. You’re Not His Family Or Have Say In How He Feels About It. Y’all Weird Man I Swear He Ain’t Ask For It He Was Born Into It.
One of the running back greats!!! Loved tuning in to watch LT play!
35:25 RC and Tanning tripping that was a real game we called it Sideline Bust
Yep!! That’s how i grew up playing in Lake Charles, Louisiana
Love the amazing gems that we get from this podcast. Also, it reminds me how smart football players are, not just athletic.
This was such a great episode ❤ these are the ones iTruly miss
Congratulations!! Great show. The evolution of The Pivot is so exciting and so wonderful to witness! Keep up the good work.❤
This guy is n My top 5 RB's ever
Who's your top 5?
Shout out to RC!! His talent as an interviewer/ journalist is amazing. He asks the right questions at the perfect time and doesn’t disrespect his guest. ESPN would’ve been idiots to lose him
As a Charger fan, this gave me closure to the AFC championship game vs the Pats with LT. Just really hearing LT’s thoughts on the matter in a non media setting. This is my favorite episode!
As a person, the very last Pivot at the end that LT mentioned was a great word of encouragement.
So many great stories in here. I remember that Redskins game where LT stiff armed RC 😂. I remember Sean Taylor getting a huge hit on Lorenzo Neal’s lead block forcing him back into LT which knocked the ball out of his hands for a fumble.
This is also the first time I ever got to see LT’s emotion about the Marlon McCree fumble vs Brady.
Hearing names like Marty, Junior Seau and Rodney Harrison brings back good memories.
Great interview and Great Questions. Gotta love how humble Fred Taylor is. Respect.
Let me tell you something brother you made me shed tears 😭 I felt that! I needed to hear your life story this morning as I prepare to have surgery in the morning. Have faith is what I took from you. I’ve seen this episode come up on my phone over & over & this morning I had some time to watch & you fed my soul this morning brother. Now I’m going to pull up your Hall of Fame speech 🎤 🏈🙏🏾
“Fred, you ain’t have no friends” … don’t do that to the future HOFer 😂
Lol
LT truly a remarkable man he’s the definition of ground zero motivation. Humble as can be, not only was he carrying the ball breaking records but he literally was carrying the state of Texas. His character off the field reflected his tenacity and incredible ability on the field. To this day he has never switch up, gaining the fam the money the or glory didn’t change him. #21 Royal
“Fred you just ain’t had no friends” chnanning be having me weak asf
😂😂😂
Another one!! GREAT show as usual..You all keep setting new standards for great shows. Keep going! I laugh, I learn, I reflect, I always take something meaningful from EVERY show.
LT right Lol. In Memphis we use to call it sideline pop! Shit was wild
Played tht here in Duvaaaal!!! Jax Fl
Incredible conversation fellas!! The growth in all 3 of you is amazing. Keep it up
LT is the reason anyone knows the name TCU. I grew up in Fort Worth and they use to give away TCU tickets. He got there and ticket prices sky rocketed. They built a new stadium off of LT.
Every Tuesday and Friday have different meaning because of you guys show. Not another show on tv that I’m locked in on besides this one. Keep leading kings! 💪🏾✊🏾❤️
stand up dude, inspiration to kids everywhere growing up, best RB of this century, i remember reading amazing athletes book about this man in like 1st grade
Another great one. Thanks guys..