TCU football legend LaDainian Tomlinson has donated his gold Hall of Fame jacket to Texas Christian University, a gesture that surprised many. The university announced the donation this week after Tomlinson visited the football program on Monday. During his visit, he toured new facilities and met with players and head coach Sonny Dykes before making the donation.
Tomlinson played for the TCU Horned Frogs from 1997 to 2000, amassing over 5,200 rushing yards and 54 touchdowns in 44 games. He led the FBS in rushing yards during his junior and senior years and topped the conference in touchdowns those same years. In 2000, he finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy race before being drafted fifth overall by the San Diego Chargers.
During his 11-year NFL career as a running back, Tomlinson was named NFL MVP in 2006 and broke several records, including single-season touchdown records. He was selected for five Pro Bowls between 2002 and 2007 and won the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award alongside Drew Brees for community contributions.
“I was Hall of Famer 309,” Tomlinson told players and coaches while presenting his jacket. “Only a hundred-and-some men in the world got this gold jacket, and we are keeping it here right at TCU.” As a trustee of TCU, Tomlinson expressed gratitude for giving back to the program that supported him. “It’s a humbling experience to think where I’ve come from to presenting this gold jacket and to be able to give back to this program that has given me so much,” he said.
The Horned Frogs will start their 2025 season against North Carolina Tar Heels on September 1st at Chapel Hill.
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