{"id":1140,"date":"2025-04-18T15:46:15","date_gmt":"2025-04-18T19:46:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/pfr-blog\/?p=1140"},"modified":"2026-02-23T13:26:30","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T17:26:30","slug":"san-diego-los-angeles-chargers-top-5-running-backs-of-all-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/pfr-blog\/2025\/04\/san-diego-los-angeles-chargers-top-5-running-backs-of-all-time\/","title":{"rendered":"San Diego\/Los Angeles Chargers Top 5 Running Backs of All Time"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

(last updated on February 23, 2026)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

From the gridiron greats of the past to the modern-day stars, the Los Angeles\/San Diego Chargers have been home to some of the most iconic running backs in NFL history<\/a>. Let’s dive into the careers of the top five running backs who have left their mark on Southern California fans and the franchise’s legacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we trek on this captivating journey through time, we will delve into the careers of the top five running backs in the history of the Los Angeles\/San Diego Chargers. These players have not only showcased their exceptional athleticism but have also become beloved figures among fans. From the franchise’s early days to the modern era, these running backs have captivated audiences with their performances on the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This post will delve into each standout player’s accomplishments, impact, and legacy. Their significant contributions helped shape the Chargers’ identity and cemented their place among the greatest running backs in team history, a legacy that every Chargers fan can be proud of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We will examine the regular-season criteria to select the quintet of the franchise’s best ball toters: rushing yards, overall touchdowns, receptions, and awards while with the team. Secondly, if applicable, we will look at playoff numbers with the club, what stats they may have had in the league while not a member of the subject franchise, and any other circumstances or events that warrant consideration. This comprehensive evaluation process ensures that the rankings are well-informed and reliable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Top Five Running Backs in Chargers History<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are over six decades of data and players to review in Chargers’ lore for our list. From the early days as the AFL LA franchise to the San Diego-based club into modern times, some of the Chargers’ backs have been part of the NFL’s elite. Here are five deemed the “cream of the crop” in team history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Photo\n<\/div>
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\n\t\tLaDainian Tomlinson<\/a><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n

\n \n LaDainian Tarshane Tomlinson\n  (L.T.<\/span>)\n <\/strong>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tPosition<\/strong>: RB\n\t\t\tThrows:<\/strong>\n\t\tRight\n\t\n<\/p>\n\n

5-10<\/span>, 215lb<\/span> (178cm, 97kg) <\/p>\n\n\n

\n Born:<\/strong> \n \n\t\tJune 23<\/a>, 1979\n \n \n in Rosebud, TX<\/a><\/span>\n \n<\/span> (Age: 45-259d)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

College<\/strong>: \n \n\t\tTCU<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t (College Stats<\/a>)\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/p>

Weighted Career AV (100-95-…)<\/a>:<\/strong> 129 (28th overall since 1960)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

High School<\/strong>: \n \n\t\tUniversity<\/a> (TX<\/a>)\n\t\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Draft<\/strong>: San Diego Chargers<\/a> in the 1st round (5th overall) of the 2001 NFL Draft<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Hall of Fame<\/strong>: Inducted as \n\t\tPlayer in 2017<\/a>\n(Full List<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Relatives<\/strong>: Nephew Tre’Vius Tomlinson<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\n