LaDainian Tomlinson and Richard Seymour - Similar professional paths

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

I compare the careers of these two athletes in conjunction with the upcoming game and how similar thier careers have been when you look at the overall picture...

Both drafted in round 1 of 2001 - Ladanian at #5 and Seymour at #6

Both had extremely quick productive starts to thier career and became instant stars of thier respective teams

Both 5x pro bowl participants

Both have had lingering injuries over the past few years that have limited thier abilities to maintain thier performance of earlier years when they were dominant in their respective positions and now find themselves fading a bit in productivity even though both are same age born in 1979 and only 4 months age difference but both suffering from what appeared to be certain HOF careers to both having glory years looking as if they are now left behind and a thing of the past.

I wonder which of these two athletes with somewhat similar NFL ups and downs will be around longer and who will have a finer ending to thier career although Tomlinson will likely never match the SB rings Richard has won.

 

[Disco Volante]

Re: Ladainian Tomlinson and Richard Seymour - Similar professional paths

Both have had lingering injuries over the past few years that have limited thier abilities to maintain thier performance of earlier years

Ladanian Tomlinson has been selected as an All-Pro running back the last 4 years straight and was was the second overall rusher in the league last year, first in the AFC. Also was second in the league in overall TDs (18) only behind Randy Moss.

He's had an average (13th overall in rushing yards) start to this season, and an injury that prevented him from playing in the final two playoff games. Beyond that the only "decline" he's had is from a unprecedented 2006 season, one of the greatest single seasons by a RB.

 

[patriot lifer]

another factor to consider for your question of who will be around longer is the positions they are playing. RB's vs. DE's. Although it's less of what you're talking about (their legacies), Seymour has an inherent advantage. Tomlinson's clock is ticking quickly until he's on the fasttrack to mediocrity. Seymour should still be in good shape to keep on truckin' while Tomlinson meagerly ends his great career.

interesting point to bring up and consider