LaDainian Tomlinson broke Shaun Alexander’s NFL single-season touchdown record of 28 when he scored three times Sunday in the San Diego Chargers’ victory over the Denver Broncos.
With the fans chanting, the star running back took a handoff from Philip Rivers and scored on a 6-yard run with 3:57 left to tie the mark. After Denver fumbled, Tomlinson got No. 29 on a 7-yard run just 47 seconds later.
Tomlinson’s teammates carried him to the sideline as he held the ball aloft in one hand. With the other hand, he held up his index finger.
Tomlinson has 26 TDs rushing and three receiving. He’s also thrown for two touchdowns this year, but they don’t count toward his personal scoring total.
“He is the finest running back to ever wear an NFL uniform,” Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer said.
Tomlinson even received praise from other stadiums Sunday.
Alexander set the record last season for Seattle.
The record-setting score came of a played called power 50, which is designed to go to the inside.
“I could have guessed that that was the play we were going to call because it was Marty’s favorite play,” Tomlinson said. “It was fitting to break the record on Marty’s favorite play.”
But Tomlinson took the play outside and scored.
“Usually the coaching staff tells me if I go out there, I’m on my own,” he said.
