2026 TCU Countdown to Kickoff: 5 Days Until Horned Frog Football

FORTHWORTH -SEPTEMBER 16: LaDainian Tomlinson #5 of the Texas Christian University carries the ball as he avoids Pete Konopka #93 of Northwestern during a game at Amon Carter Stadium on September 16, 2000 in Forthworth, Texas. Texas Christian won 41-14. ( Photo by: Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) | Getty Images

TCU football is moving closer to its 2026 season opener against North Carolina in Dublin, Ireland on Aug. 29. As the Countdown to Kickoff continues, we’ll highlight a former Horned Frog whose jersey number coincided with the number of days remaining until the opener. At No. 5 is former TCU running back LaDainian Tomlinson!

The greatest running back and one of the greatest overall players in program history, Tomlinson rushed for 5,263 yards and 54 touchdowns during his college career. His final two seasons are among the best for any college back. In 1999, Tomlinson stormed for 1,850 yards and 18 touchdowns while averaging a career-best 6.9 yards per rush. Tomlinson returned as a senior in 2000 and erupted for a career-high 2,158 yards and 22 touchdowns. He was named an All-American and finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy vote. Tomlinson’s No. 5 is retired at TCU.

Tomlinson was named the WAC Offensive Player of the Year and led the NCAA in rushing during both the 1999 and 2000 seasons. He earned the Doak Walker Award and the Jim Brown Trophy in 2000. In 2001, Tomlinson was selected by the San Diego (now Los Angeles) Chargers with the fifth overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft. One of the greatest professional Horned Frogs ever, Tomlinson amassed 13,684 yards and 145 touchdowns over 170 games (155 starts) and 11 years. He led the NFL in scoring in 2006, when he carried the ball for a career-high 1,815 yards and 28 touchdowns while adding three receiving touchdowns and 508 receiving yards.

Tomlinson led the NFL in rushing touchdowns three times and rushing yards twice. He was a five-time Pro Bowl selection, a three-time Second-Team All-Pro and a three-time First-Team All-Pro. In 2006, Tomlinson received the NFL’s MVP, Offensive Player of the Year and Walter Payton Man of the Year Awards. He spent nine years with the Chargers and two years with the New York Jets before retiring after the 2011 season. His No. 21 was retired by the Chargers and Tomlinson resides in both the College Football and Pro Football Hall of Fames.