Los Angeles Chargers

Chargers to retire LaDainian Tomlinson's No. 21

Published Nov. 21, 2015 6:32 p.m. ET

foxsports

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- The San Diego Chargers will retire LaDainian Tomlinson's No. 21 jersey during halftime of their game Sunday against Kansas City.

Tomlinson joins Lance Alworth (No. 19), Dan Fouts (No. 14) and Junior Seau (No. 55) as the only Chargers to be so honored. He will also be inducted into the team's hall of fame as its 38th member.

"This is a moment that doesn't happen often," Tomlinson said Friday. "I don't know if there is a bigger accomplishment than to get your number retired and to go up in the ring of honor."

The 36-year-old Tomlinson was the team's top pick in 2001. He rushed for at least 1,000 yards in eight straight seasons, leading the NFL twice during that time.

He was the NFL MVP in 2006, when he set a single-season record with 31 touchdowns. His 28 rushing TDs were also a record.

Despite being a three-time All Pro selection and making the Pro Bowl on five occasions, Tomlinson said he never envisioned his jersey hanging in Qualcomm Stadium.

"When you are a player, the only thing you think about is trying to win games," said Tomlinson, now an NFL Network analyst. "Yes, you recognize that special things like this happen but you can't see yourself in that position because you are still in the thick of things, still entrenched in being a player."

After playing his last two years with the New York Jets, Tomlinson retired in 2012. He finished with 162 touchdowns (No. 3 all-time), 13,684 yards rushing (No. 5) and 4,772 yards receiving. Of his eight career completions, seven went for touchdowns.