a memorial for former Charger Junior Seau, who had been a positive influence on Tomlinson during his rookie season. On June 18, he signed a ceremonial one-day contract with the San Diego Chargers and then immediately announced his retirement. Chargers president Dean Spanos said that no other Charger would ever wear Tomlinson's No. 21. Former teammates including Rivers, Gates and three offensive linemen from his 2006 season were present at Tomlinson's farewell press conference, as were his wife, mother and children. Recalling the words of Seau at his own retirement, Tomlinson described the act as graduating to the next phase of his life. Of his failure to win a Super Bowl, he said, "I'm OK with never winning a Super Bowl championship. I know we've got many memories that we can call championship days." Legacy and playing style At the time of his retirement, Tomlinson ranked fifth in NFL history in career rushing attempts (3,174) and yards (13,684), and second in career rushing touchdowns (145). He had 47 100-yard rushing games, and three 100-yard receiving games. He also ranked third for receptions by a running back, catching 624 passes for 4,772 yards and a further 17 touchdowns. Overall, he ranked fourth in career touches (3,798), fifth in yards from scrimmage (18,456), and third in total touchdowns (162). He was only the second player to rush for at least 13,000 yards and catch passes for at least 4,000 yards, following Payton. Completing his reputation as a versatile back, Tomlinson completed 8 of 12 passing attempts in his career, for seven touchdowns and no interceptions. Only Payton, with eight, had more touchdown passes among non-quarterbacks in the Super Bowl era. His playoff performances were less impressive, as he was injured in 2007 and 2008 and only rushed for 100 yards once in ten postseason games. Tomlinson was noted for consistently playing well against the Oakland Raiders. In nineteen games against them, he rushed for 2,055 yards, at an average of 108.2 yards per game, well above his career average of 80.5 yards per game. He also rushed for 22 touchdowns, caught four, and threw another three, in each case more than his total against any other single team. An elusive runner in the open field who would use stiff arms to break tackles, Tomlinson was also effective as a power back on inside runs. In goal-line situations, he would often leap directly