This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/6/2015
Featured here is a rare 2001 rookie season game-worn helmet from one of the key figures in the history of the San Diego Chargers, the great running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who spent most of his Hall of Fame bound career in San Diego. The Chargers selected the 5'10" 220 pounder out of TCU in the first round (#5 overall) of the 2001 draft and he did not disappoint. As a rookie, "LT" racked up 1,236 yards on the ground with 10 rushing touchdowns and hauled in 59 balls for another 367 yards. He steadily improved upon those numbers the rest of the decade and has earned a solid gold ticket to Canton when he is eligible in 2017. For his career, LT is #5 all-time in rushing yards (13,684) and yards from scrimmage (18,456), #2 in rushing TD's (145) and #3 in total TD's (162).
The Schutt Pro Air II helmet (size L), shows incredible game use with scratches, scuff marks and paint transfers on the navy blue shell from on-field collisions. The Chargers' bolt logo decals are aligned on each side with the team name sticker over the forehead to cover the helmet brand (Riddell was only brand allowed to be visible). The rear has LT's iconic No. 21, the NFL shield, warning label, and American flag (added to honor 9/11 that season) decals, along with another Chargers sticker just above the neck. A second No. 21 decal can be found inside the left earhole. The interior Air technology suspension padding is all intact and problem-free. The Riddell facemask and Adams chinstrap appear to be the originals and show excellent use as well. The Schutt mask clips are dated "01" for further year confirmation. This helmet even comes customized for LT with his built-in tinted visor, which LT wore early in his rookie year. It could be a photo-match to the Chargers' 30-3 thrashing of the Redskins in Week 1, which would make it LT's NFL debut gamer from his amazing 113-yard, 2-TD performance! We'll let the bidders decide. Hard to imagine a more significant artifact for San Diego fans, coming from a beloved player who ended up as one of football's best ball carriers ever. It should be noted that the consignor of this fine headgear is a highly respected football collector.