Chargers to retire LaDainian Tomlinson's No. 21 jersey

The San Diego Chargers announced on Wednesday they will retire running back LaDainian Tomlinson's No. 21 jersey.

Tomlinson also will be inducted into the team's Hall of Fame at halftime of San Diego's Nov. 22 Sunday night contest against AFC West division rival Kansas City.

Tomlinson becomes only the fourth player to have his number retired by the Chargers, joining Lance Alworth (19), Dan Fouts (14) and the late Junior Seau (55).

Tomlinson will have his number raised to the rafters at Qualcomm Stadium, becoming the 38th member of the Chargers' Hall of Fame, and have his name placed in the team's Ring of Honor.

"This is a special, special opportunity for the Chargers family and all Chargers fans," Chargers chairman Dean Spanos said in a prepared statement. "Few players, if any, have meant more to this franchise than LT. He was the heart and soul of this team through one of the most successful decades in our history. I couldn't wait to watch him play every week because I knew I would see something special. And that's what he gave all of us: special memories we'll carry with us forever."

Tomlinson retired from the NFL in 2012 as the league's fifth all-time leading rusher (13,684 career yards) and its second-most prolific scorer with 145 career rushing touchdowns.

Selected No. 5 overall by the Chargers in the first round of the 2001 NFL draft, Tomlinson served as the face of the franchise during nine seasons in San Diego. He set or tied a total of 28 team records, including marks for career rushing yards, rushing touchdowns in a season and total touchdowns.