LaDainian Tomlinson isn't holding any grudges.
After nine mostly banner seasons in San Diego, the New York Jets running back told San Diego media in a Wednesday video conference call that he has "no bones" against any member of his first NFL franchise.
"I'm sure there will come a day where I will come back and possibly retire as a Charger," said Tomlinson, who will face his former team for the first time Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J.
The reunion will be "surreal," Tomlinson says, admitting it will be emotionally easier than had it taken place at Qualcomm Stadium, the Mission Valley facility where chants of "LT!" and "MVP!" once filled.
Of his former teammates, he said he keeps in most regular contact with cornerback Quentin Jammer. He also speaks with Philip Rivers from time to time and plans to give him a "big ol' hug and a kiss" when he sees him.
The Jets are 3-3. The Chargers are 4-2.
"We feel like they're doing well, so they can afford to give us a win," Tomlinson joked.
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There were reports during the 11th hour of Tomlinson's Chargers tenure that he was unhappy with his role in the offense, which, during the final two years, transitioned into a more pass-heavy attack.
Tomlinson clarified his emotions at the time.
"In fact, I started to see the beginning to the end of my career in San Diego," Tomlinson said. "And that's just the way, at the time, it was hard to deal with, and it took a little time to come to grips with it, knowing that I wouldn't be a Charger for life ... I've seen Junior (Seau) go through it. I've seen Drew Brees go through it. Rodney Harrison. I knew it was a possibility that I could play somewhere else."
On Sunday, Tomlinson, in his second season with the Jets, will stand on a sideline opposite of the Chargers.
There is sure to be emotion and nostalgia for Tomlinson and many Chargers fans.
On his end, he said there won't be bad blood.
"I'm not the kind of guy that holds any kind of ill-will feelings toward anybody," Tomlinson said. "Honestly, I have no bones about any of the guys that are in that locker room that I played with. I certainly felt like I had great teammates I played with. Great coaches. That organization was good to me. They drafted me in the first round and really gave me the ball as much as I could take it."
