Hawks get ready for San Diego's Tomlinson

By DAVID ANDRIESEN
P-I REPORTER

SAN DIEGO -- With a football in his hands, LaDainian Tomlinson might be
the most exciting man in America.

His face hidden behind a black visor, the San Diego Chargers tailback
makes cuts the NFL hasn't seen since the heyday of Barry Sanders,
leaving stiff-armed linebackers and league records in his wake.

As a teammate says, "LT is the king of the NFL."

Without a football, however, the king is about as exciting as a sack
lunch. Take away the diamond-studded hoop earrings and he could be
anyone, a soft-spoken waiter or a bank teller. There is no hint of NFL
superstar.

While his teammates carouse the bars and clubs of San Diego's Gaslamp
District, Tomlinson can be found at his home in suburban Poway with his
wife, LaTorsha, and their dogs (a pair of pocket dogs named Coco and
Fendi for her; a pit bull named Sweetness, after idol Walter Payton,
for him).