LaDainian Tomlinson HOF RB growing up on slave plantation & his biggest disappointment | The Pivot

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Hall of Fame running back LaDainian Tomlinson sat with Ryan, Channing and Fred to talk about his football career and personal life, transcending from his childhood to family values to his unique path to the NFL as well as shares some of his truths and misconceptions along the way.
There is a certain weight professional athletes carry when they make it to the pinnacle of their sport. As is the case with certain players, though, the pressures can lead to emotions they’ve never felt before. For LaDainian Tomlinson, growing up with just his mom in a place that held so much negative history was the burden he bore.
Tomlinson was a fifth overall pick, played in five Pro Bowls and still holds the NFL record for rushing and scrimmage yards in a season from his 2006 MVP campaign with the Chargers. He was on top of the world for a stretch of seasons and after finishing college as a Heisman finalist, had dominated at each level of the sport. LT gets into the truth behind why he kept his helmet on during the AFC Championship game that he was sidelined for and shares one of his most disappointing moments in life.
Growing up without a dad in the picture very much caught up to him, and left a hole in his life and a desire to get to know his dad more and have the opportunity to spend time with him, but when his dad passed in 2007, LaDainian felt like the chance was missed to get to know him and understand the man he really was. Through his faith and acceptance, he began a journey to learn about his ancestry, and soon found out that his relative’s home of Tomlinson Hill was a slave plantation his ancestors had worked on.
His career that he has described as “close but no cigar” had many iconic moments away from the game, and LT touches on his iconic Hall of Fame acceptance speech as well as his “A Football Life” feature.
With all of his jukes, hurdles and power moves throughout his career, LaDainian Tomlinson’s biggest pivots came away from the game. His championship moments will define his legacy, and his calls for unity represent both history and the future he is hoping to help build.
New episodes drop on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m ET on KZbin, with audio available on all streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Amazon.
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[@UncleNahshon]

First of all how has The Pivot not hit 1 million subs yet. This is mind boggling. Also let’s appreciate how good the crew has become at interviewing people. Keep it up fellas.

[@damianwhite1638]

Marketing, they don’t push ppl to subscribe. I really wish they did.

[@bobbyhill3rd242]

RIGHT

[@LongJohn9411]

Cause Ryan’s divisive lol people get upset about strong opinions. If it was just comedy and entertainment like nightcap it would but that’s not what the shows about.

[@Skinny_Pimp]

@@LongJohn9411 you sound Sassy, sir!

[@StullaKingKuul]

Probably cuz Channing be saying weird shit to grown men

[@campopi1066]

LT Facemask & Visor Combo Was 🔥

[@Galatians516]

Yea, dafuq it was! Clean, too. Couldn't see his eyes, and when he hit defenders with that cut, it was over.

[@joshuaisaac7]

Legendary

[@Dray_3stacks]

Thee Best 🔥✊🏾

[@jakjones8680]

That man was clean

[@cantelope1567]

San Diego Charger fan here. LT was the heart and soul of the city while he was here. Hero to many of us youngsters at the time. Bring our boys home.

[@oleg3913]

I’m from San Diego but grew up a Green Bay Packers fan. But I have so much respect for LT. you’re right, he was the only reason the chargers were ever relevant. It’s a shame Brees didn’t pan out in SD. Who knows what kind of combo they would have been

[@sapasui]

Boy, that boy nice! One of my favorite players.

[@markguarino1638]

Lt my favorite player of all the coming from a falcons fan wish we didn’t take Vick tbh

[@Ewash100]

34:00

[@JBANKS619]

Philly Riv was our heart and soul in SD. LT hated an just wanted to run with Marty instead of win with Norv

[@Itskevooo17]

LT, Mike Vick, Djack. Literally the reasons I love football so much as a boy that never played it. Definition of electric right here

[@charris1854]

Vick was on some real video game shit out there. Most exciting ever.

[@LAMARViCK]

Mike Vick n d jack was so lit🔥🔥

[@gregorymaneice6020]

Can’t Forget Ray Lewis & Deion Sanders I Played Defense Lol 😂

[@timothy1563]

LT my favorite NFL player EVER. He was special in his prime man. Love this interview

[@YxnginJesusLovesU]

Facts idk how those chargers teams didn’t win a super bowl

[@unquenchableflame888]

Ditto

[@underrated2131]

Facts! He was different bruh lol.

[@545047]

This was long overdue. He was literally a perfect guest for this show 😂

[@elm3randrews773]

The way Channing facial expression when he LT mentions Cam Cameron name lol😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@atlboo98]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@ariesgirl.]

He gets mad every time!! I was like oh nooo here it comes! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@JD-nr3kd]

At Age 6 my first NFL jersey was a powder blue LT jersey. LT is the reason I played football and even the RB position. He really set the standard for the position. He’s #1 in my book always. Bolt Tf Up ⚡️⚡️⚡️

[@lito_leon]

LT is the reason I played football. He meant so much to all the kids growing up in San Diego. Awesome episode!

[@MeBihhhh]

He’s the reason I had a visor 😂

[@jamessultzer3504]

I sure love watching this program. As a 70 year old white man I learn so much about a black persons perspective about so many different challenges not just the guest on the show but their family and ancestors. My only wish is if someone on the program is taking Gods name in vain, they would blip it out.

[@lovelife247lol]

When you come to a man’s home, receive what is offered and leave what’s not for you but don’t make requests, especially when you’re seeing something new. God ain’t finished with none of us yet. Grace

[@MeBihhhh]

Great post but let’s just leave religion out of this. My god

[@jamessultzer3504]

My comment was not meant to be religious but relationship. You are right God is not finished with us yet. My request was not made out of being judgmental but a request of reverence for a Holy God. I’m sure all of our stories are different but when I hear a curse word connected to God it breaks my heart. Yes, if i am offended, i could stop watching but I love the success stories and the impact they will have on people’s lives. It was not my intention to be religious or judgmental but to say can we not have a conversation without taking God’s name in vain.

[@dtown2142009]

As a 35 year man born n raised in Texas LT wasn’t lying about playing sideline kill that’s a Texas thang frfr… brought back memories of our childhood

[@lemarmoda1816]

I’m 33. Born & raised in NC. Growing up we call it “sideline pops” & mannn it definitely brings back memories. If you was soft you better not run up the side of the street 🤣

[@TChamp-iq4xv]

In illinois we called it Sideline wreck! Made you tough.

[@DownSouth08]

Just subscribed. I enjoyed these guys when they played and I really enjoy The Pivot. They all 3 are very articulate and intelligent. In my opinion they represent well. Thank you

[@greenleefquelly8780]

I’m from Ga we called it “sideline bust” idk why they didn’t know what he was talking about

[@holmesketrick7]

Yessir!!

[@chayel7]

Born and raised in the Crenshaw District and we called it “Sideline Pop” growing up. That ain’t just the country RC!

[@TREDAY4283]

Big facts lol.sidelined pop fasho

[@OfficialMacLowe]

On me! Cars, Curb, Bushes, you gettin cracked into all that haha

[@edwardwade92]

Grew up in Watts is called sideline pop fasho

[@amandamccoy9530]

Right!!!! Thank you I couldn't think of the name when he described it

[@120gangdiezel9]

Atlanta we called it sideline kill too 💯

[@ThatDamnDJay]

LT is one of the best RBs ever, but doesn’t he look like he can be Bubba Dub’s daddy😂😂😂

[@MrDubb5]

💀💀💀💀 frfr tho

[@dantefoster5067]

Facts

[@yaboi9191]

😂😂

[@Tone_313]

😂😂😂

[@Gorealaracer38]

He's not,with all his $$$$ he can't SHOW OR PROVE he has 1 ancestor from no damn africa 😂!!!!! 😤

[@twhoyoutrynabebuchanan5149]

LT is so humble bro

[@MoeDavinci]

LT seems to be a very well-rounded and kind human mane. Great interview from The Pivot as always 🔥

[@accuatcu]

AYE Alicia! Yall gotta start cutting in a highlight during some of these stories. Would have loved to see the clip while they were talking about the stiff arm 💪🏾

[@duntebaker222]

I love how the podcast started and finished. Podcast of the year! 🎉🎉

[@gtjohns220]

This combo Fred, Cam, and Ryan are a perfect combo. They play off each so well falling into their lanes. Ryan is the host that keeps the interview moving and brings in the deeply researched questions. Freddy fines the emotional core of the interviewee, and Cam keeps the vibes light which brings out great stories that are unique.

[@dbeezy9046]

*Chan or Channing

[@TheeDevinMartin]

LT my fav player ever grew up a charger fan watching him at Qualcomm. Man I didn’t know just how blessed I was seeing him play live and how good we had it as Charger fans. Best back of 21st century and one of the greatest to ever do it

[@LK-bz9sk]

🙏🏿

[@FMD023]

He was the reason why I started watching football. I been to 8 different stadiums and LT is the only player I got to witness whenever he touched the ball, the whole stadium went crazy. I’ve seen Brady, manning, and Rogers play live and never seen the reaction like how LT got. When he was a charger, chargers were chargers fan. When he left, every home game felt like an away game. I’m with you, I’m so glad and blessed that I got to witness him playing live in SD. He literally electrified Qualcomm stadium during his prime.

[@ibwilin8995]

It's good to see LT get in-depth exposure. I always felt that as great as LaDainian was, he was undervalued by mainstream media...

[@demetriayarbrough1442]

Great interview had the honor going to church with LT and his wife in San Diego one of the kindest humble players ever met 😊

[@mortisvan]

I've seen countless episodes of "The Pivot" and I believe this was the best one yet. It's amazing to see the other side of NFL players. Channing you are Americas number one hater in a good way. Freedy T has a quiet but effective way of get his point across. RC I'm putting up there with some of the top broadcasters in the business. LT was amazing on the field and off. LT was well spoken and engaging. He can teach the younger players a lot about how to carry themselves.

[@marcushester2312]

Growing up LT was the best back to me. Agility speed durability power blocking catching man he did it all. Plus that 31 touchdown season.

[@teewhy6069]

💯!!

[@LK-bz9sk]

Yes. I was always mesmerised with his running style.

[@jblaze600]

LT and Marshall Faulk are the most dynamic duo threats RBs I’ve ever witness. It was a joy to watch their careers from college to the NFL. Salute🫡

[@adgee5401]

Check out Marcus Allen and Roger Craig. Some of the earlier backs like that.

[@MeBihhhh]

Check out forte

[@MarthyWrenJr]

Mcgahee and Portis

[@nellzman]

Two of my favorite running backs growing up FT and LT!

[@FlippedtheF-up]

Dude was unreal! I'm a Steelers fan but loved me some LT

[@Semperityy]

Being from killeen seeing LT growing up, coming outta waco only an hour from me man this interview had me hooked. Huge inspiration to me.

[@justind3172]

I’m from Waco so I know exactly what you mean

[@jasonruiz8064]

South Waco University Middle

[@jaker.3527]

Man, that LT was like a superhero on TV I swear to it. This brings back memories. Thank you pivot. Stay blessed!

[@Semperityy]

DAWG!!!! Thank you pivot this is such a huge interview bruh!!! LT was freaking great

[@Skott.Mikel1914]

We called it sideline bust. We played it here in GA. Tag in the street, tackle by the grass. Then throw up tackle. We did all that. These kids too soft nowadays. RC it's a real thing dude. Rites of passage!

[@LawlessVictory888]

It was throw ‘em up buss em up . Georgia boys!!

[@abdulbynum8671]

Here in Philly it was called rumble fumble

[@LawlessVictory888]

@@abdulbynum8671 yeah Philly was about the only state up north we respected as far as football fr. Football in the South just different from Texas to Georgia.

[@leekyoverhere]

No kizzy. Sideline bust. Don't let the grass be high we going to the Sideline every run 😂

[@abdulbynum8671]

@@LawlessVictory888for sure I wanted my nephew to go to Georgia to play ball I told him it’s different down there and Texas

[@JacobLee-yf2iy]

One of the best episodes yet! Great conversation and story telling. I could listen to LT for hours.

[@kayeakreative]

This was a great interview! I love seeing fellow brothers smiling and enjoying themselves. Inspiring.

[@YoBoyDex]

Sideline kill is definitely a real game down here in Houston. I remember getting hit through somebody’s fence one time

[@cam35041]

😂😂😂😂 nbs i den put some body in a car grill before 😂😂😂

[@blittle4573]

we call it sideline bust. soft kids stayed in the street. We also played 4 downs hard. Had to score in 4 downs...lol.

[@adh7997]

My favorite player growing up. Dude was just so smooth and strong.

[@LK-bz9sk]

And always a good guy. Not some diva

[@bz5791]

One of the best shows up to this point for The Pivot. What a mic drop at the end.

[@ralstonwright6124]

This was one of the best interview ive seen, informative, honest and well prepared on all levels

[@jerzecandy]

I always learn and walk away from The Pivot with a deeper understanding of life. LT is special. The part about him and his father changed my perspective on fathers and sons. Especially when they are raised apart and the emotional distance

[@adrianbelgrave4123]

One of the best RBs to do it and as a Niners Fan living in San Diego when the Chargers played everyone was hyped... Glad he got into the HoF...

[@hombrealfisti3997]

RC, I'm from Compton, California......and WE played "Sideline Kill" in the streets as well. ✊🏾

[@jaaymoney3832]

Hub city baby 💯

[@chayel7]

FACTS!

[@hombrealfisti3997]

@@jaaymoney3832 you know whut it is Family. ✊🏾

[@markelwilliams8593]

💪🏾

[@dawgatheart]

Slavery is only one generation away for some of us. To those that may have the response of “Oh, it was so long ago,” when us Blacks speak so passionately about our rights and this continuous fight against the system. We’ve made progress, but oppression and “The Agenda” still exists today. Thanks for sharing, LT. Otherwise, amazing interview by one of the goats and a reasons why I started watching football.

[@jasonc2407]

@dawgatheart do you think the civil rights movement achieved it's goal particularly with how wide the racial wealth gap is at the moment?

[@theshadowstrike6]

Favorite interview so far! Always love when you guys bring legendary backs on the show 💯

[@leekyoverhere]

Incredible episode man. I see why LT won the Walter Payton award. Seems like hell of a guy. Class act. Love to the Pivot man you guys are doing what's necessary!

[@ymat5306]

3:40 classy and respectful. Blessed.

[@tamikorush9915]

I love listening to Fred and other RBs❤️❤️❤️

[@Bert1010]

Lt was my favorite player growing up. Since becoming Christian he’s inspired me even more

[@MeBihhhh]

Oh god 😂

[@bradfordwatson322]

Wow!! Awesome interview!!👏🏾👊🏾 Truly love the Pivot!!💕👏🏾

[@corneliuskirk3756]

Great episode! So much transparency & vulnerability from LT....Great questions fellas....

[@992porter]

LT right Lol. In Memphis we use to call it sideline pop! Shit was wild

[@LeeYevi]

Played tht here in Duvaaaal!!! Jax Fl

[@bennycarter8810]

This man (LT) is the reason I became and still am to this day a Chargers fan. By far one of the best to ever do it. Forever an idol

[@JaxsonGoesHAM]

Incredible conversation fellas!! The growth in all 3 of you is amazing. Keep it up

[@cwill5829]

This guy is n My top 5 RB's ever

[@dvdndsWill]

Who's your top 5?

[@tyronemcfall1757]

YES!! Here we go again ANOTHER ONE ❤ great job guys Keep up the good job loving the vibe it's on point🎯🎯🎯

[@kojoeyirenkyi1629]

Two of the greatest backs in NFL History in the same room choppin it up!! Much respect LT and FreddyT

[@meast33]

I attended the Maryland vs Virginia game in 1999, Lamont Jordan went for 300 yards. Thomas Jones went for over 100. I went home and turned on the TCU game and watched LT go for 400. Followed him all that season, got that rookie Chargers jersey moment he got dfrafted. Wore 21 throughout high school because of him. LT such a legend.

[@janicecray8630]

Excellent interview gentleman you allowed us to see inside the lines of life as a child and growth because of your circumstances Grace, Grace, Grace, 🙏🏾❤️…. All you have to do is BELIEVE…..

[@MoneyRay619858]

Dope interview. Watched the entire episode from SE San Diego 💯

[@artvaughnjr]

Lincoln High!

[@Jr619LiFTED]

El Cajon in here too

[@richardpadilla2610]

Paradise Hills in the building

[@tederickjames4707]

Wow......this was powerful!!! I really, really enjoyed this interview. LT is a wonderful person!!! His Hall of Fame speech was exceptional. Great Job guys!!! Excellent!!!

[@dionhamilton844]

Man! This is infectious!! LT is one of my all time favorite players... and the interaction between him and CC, Fred and RC is invaluable...

[@FlashYxHendrx]

“Fred you just ain’t had no friends” chnanning be having me weak asf

[@mariesettles4734]

😂😂😂

[@Goodman910]

This was such a great episode ❤ these are the ones iTruly miss

[@johnnycash940]

one of the best ones so far LT was one of my favorites growing up made me want to play hb what a strong testimony 🔥🔥

[@naturewithjmitch7337]

Growing up in Baltimore me and a couple of my friends did those weird things as well. Dodging cracks and spots on the ground, spinning off of light poles, throw up tackle etc.. even with the basketball ball spinning off of light poles and dribble in the four squares, crates on the light pole..great conversation as always guys!! Much love and respect!! GOD bless!!

[@jholmes7770]

42:00 I can't lie I'm still not feeling his response on his family origin story... I don't know how proud I could be in carrying on that history... But this was a great interview... ❤

[@yomrap6931]

That honors his ancestors & how what they endured allowed him to be here. It's better than denying your roots like some do. (Only thing I don't like is that shared history talk, the Tomlinson family only gave his West African ancestors their name)

[@mamadoudiop6981]

It’s better than not accepting your roots. Because if you don’t accept it you’ll go through your whole life not knowing your true identity

[@lgsg2825]

I'm on the fence about it also. Like we didn't choose to be slaves. It's not our history nor our ancestors - the slave aspect. Ok his gave his land but respectfully nah

[@PMKru]

@@lgsg2825It Also Isn’t Your Life & LT Is A Successful & Wise Man. Thats All You Should Care About. You’re Not His Family Or Have Say In How He Feels About It. Y’all Weird Man I Swear He Ain’t Ask For It He Was Born Into It.

[@noorsebi2672]

Incredible episode and amazing guest!!

[@TonySmythe]

Shout out to RC!! His talent as an interviewer/ journalist is amazing. He asks the right questions at the perfect time and doesn’t disrespect his guest. ESPN would’ve been idiots to lose him

[@samuelrobinson5612]

Another one!! GREAT show as usual..You all keep setting new standards for great shows. Keep going! I laugh, I learn, I reflect, I always take something meaningful from EVERY show.

[@shedrickturner7758]

Great conversation as always 💯💯

[@jaybeasttube]

This Was A PHENOMENAL EPISODE!!!

[@TheyCallMeOJ1]

LT is the 🐐 in my eyes. I wore his cleats from 07-09. Wanted to play RB because of him.

[@Fino619sd]

Man that 06 year was our year man.. that shit hurts to this day.. fuckin Marlon man!!

[@feliciarose8696]

I have watched every episode of the pivot since its inception. THIS one is VERY special to me. LT is great story teller. And the 3 of you vibe’in on his accomplishments and how impacted each of you is great to see. Freddy T - I love to see you light up when you have ya partners in position in the show. Well done fellas! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🫶🏽

[@twhoyoutrynabebuchanan5149]

LT!!!! My first favorite player ever🥹🥹🥹 I’m so happy.

[@user-nc2ws5ed9b]

You fitttyyy doe

[@shedrickturner7758]

We played that side line kill in Houston back in the day 😂

[@billybob-tl2tb]

Great Interview! Very Enlightened! Thanks 🙏🏾

[@christinebryant8354]

Let me tell you something brother you made me shed tears 😭 I felt that! I needed to hear your life story this morning as I prepare to have surgery in the morning. Have faith is what I took from you. I’ve seen this episode come up on my phone over & over & this morning I had some time to watch & you fed my soul this morning brother. Now I’m going to pull up your Hall of Fame speech 🎤 🏈🙏🏾

[@stockxchange5787]

Every Tuesday and Friday have different meaning because of you guys show. Not another show on tv that I’m locked in on besides this one. Keep leading kings! 💪🏾✊🏾❤️

[@lepe7841]

Another great one. Thanks guys..

[@Simbaxx8899]

Wonderful interview definitely a inspiration black excellent. I think it was a wonderful to have a wonderful wonderful Hall of Fame on your show keep up the good work

[@ltwyman7]

Man Fred T I love listening to you talk bout schemes! Class A, Top Class wit it!

[@Semperityy]

Facts .

[@terrabrown2188]

That’s the pivot🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@J27M]

I love the insightful and interesting interviews. You guys get the best out of the guests. And they trust you. Game respect game.

[@erics4705]

Another great episode! Thanks fellas!🔥💯💪🏾

[@TheeFennELL88]

We played sideline pop in Los Angeles. Same concept as LT childhood game!

[@MonteWeaverofficial]

“Fred, you ain’t have no friends” … don’t do that to the future HOFer 😂

[@randyhunter5158]

Lol

[@Milkybutta]

I love these guys. The level of down to earth that they bring. Though I have never met the success level that any of these guys have achieved, I can really relate to some of the issues that they have face while growing up. Throw up tackle is what we called it; So when RC said it I was like yeah he is from Louisiana too. I thank all of you for being who you are. It validates who I am. God Bless.

[@pathenderson6572]

As usual Awesome interview ! Best Podcast out here . Shout out to LT

[@jermanejackson8267]

L.T.! One of the greatest! The pivot stays on point!

[@sandramagee5089]

LT is one of my favorite RB!

[@audiobackdrops18]

I didn’t think I could respect LT more than I already did but hearing him talk about the mental aspect of the game reading defenses and knowing the blocking assignments etc, I have even more respect 🫡 ⚡️⚡️⚡️

[@trenicecoleman9996]

Great interview!! That's the Pivot !!!

[@sleep-aidhlm9842]

I definitely grew up playing slide pop in Birmingham Alabama

[@sterlingwilliams8645]

Dude is San Diego Royalty

[@mroldnight]

Another great one guys. This interview was really great. LT is a great interviewee!

[@kennethhomer4890]

Brothers keep doing what yall are doing! I love this show

[@Osman-ek4bq]

Thank you brotha for fighting tooth and nail to trace your family origin.Most Africa Americans are embarrassed to go back in time and trace where they came from.A person who doesn't know about their roots hasno direction in life!

[@daharris41]

Truth. You’re even starting to see many claim that they don’t have any African roots and are now claiming to be Native American.

[@jholmes7770]

I can see him as a college coach... COACH LT...

[@DCODev]

LT: "That's the pivot!" My man laid out the real life gospel. Amazing story brother, thank you for sharing!

[@jackypoogohardly]

Such a great human being, LT has amazing perspective. Love his faith and family values, kids were lucky to have him as role model

[@nickshearer3091]

One of my favorites to watch. One of the best to ever do it.

[@youtubepatro11s99]

If he was on fire, I wouldn’t piss on him😂 - Channing