To Be LT…Or Not Be LT…That Isn’t A Question

By Alex Cohen-Smith

On Sunday the New York Jets and running back LaDainian “LT” Tomlinson agreed to a two year deal to bring Tomlinson to New York. For the better part of the last decade, Tomlinson has wrecked havoc on opposing defenses including rushing for 28 touchdowns in 2006, an NFL record.

Tomlinson is 30 years old, which is often considered the time where a the success of an NFL running back ends. Personally, I believe Tomlinson will do just as well as Thomas Jones would have done if the Jets kept him instead. Tomlinson has had a below average offense line and fullback since 2006 while Jones has thrived behind the Jets dominant offensive line and future Hall-of-Fame fullback Tony Richardson. Tomlinson also is a great receiving running back, amassing over 50 receptions in every season except 2009, while Jones has only amassed 40 once.

A factor that I’m sure Tomlinson considered when signing with the Jets was also marketability. He already has a deal with Nike (which has led to some great commercials) and loves to market himself even if it involves a crazy music video. Tomlinson is hoping to become the face of football in New York the same way he was in San Diego. A few 100 yard games and  he might be able to win over the skeptical New York fans. Maybe even make the name LT a household name throughout New York…..

Oh wait….

Now I remember…..

Wasn’t there an LT already in New York? You might remember him….Big guy….Destroyed offensives schemes on a weekly basis….Looked just like the guy to the right of this paragraph…ah now you’re following me.

Tomlinson may revitalize his career in New York, but he’ll never really be LT again. Hell I don’t know if he ever was LT even when he was in San Diego. That’s how big Lawrence Taylor’s impact on New York and the NFL was. Taylor is widely considered to have altered the pass rushing schemes, offensive line play, and offensive formations used in the NFL because of his defensive prowess. He was in the spotlight from his time at the University of North Carolina and never stopped until he retired. He won Defensive Player of the Year honors his rookie season with the Giants and just to prove it wasn’t a fluke, he did it his second season as well. The next year he decided to be kind and share the award with someone else. LT anchored the Giants defense while leading them to two Super Bowl victories (XXI & XXV). He even had successful stints in Wrestlemania and on Dancing With The Stars.

Let me reiterate I do like the Tomlinson signing for the Jets. However Lawrence Taylor was, is, and always will be the face of football in New York and the real LT.

If you want to meet Lawrence “LT” Taylor, all you have to do is come to our Last Licks store in Rye Ridge this Saturday at noon. For more information go to lastlicksicecream.com