FORT WORTH, Texas -- Former Horned Frog standout and current National Football League Most Valuable Player LaDainian Tomlinson has returned to TCU this week as he hosts his annual Camp LT for area youth.
Included below are a few comments from Tomlinson's meeting with the media Tuesday afternoon in the Player Lounge of the John Justin Athletic Center.
On being back at TCU...
"It's always good to come back to a place that I have so much history at on
and off the football field. I thought it was only right I brought the camp
to TCU because I was connected to the community here for four years."
On Camp LT at TCU...
"I thought it was important to come back here and give back to the kids in
this community, because I did live here and it had a lot to do with where I
am today."
On life after winning the 2006 NFL MVP award...
"It changed a lot. Endorsements have definitely picked up. I've stayed busy
this whole off-season. I've done more commercials than I've done in the
past. I haven't had the chance to really just sit back and reflect on the
year because it has been so crazy and busy. This next month before training
camp, I'm really just going to try and slow down and get prepared for the
season."
On his relationship with TCU Head Coach Gary Patterson...
"It's been great. I am happy that everything is like it used to be when I was here. I do come around every year. It was great when they came
out to San Diego last year for the bowl game and beat up on Northern Illinois. I was at the game and got a chance to go in the locker room, see the guys and stuff like that."
On the new athletics facilities at TCU...
"I just wish I could go back to school. This stuff right here is tremendous
for the University. I think it's going to help them get more blue-chip
recruits. TCU is putting itself on the map. They are going to have one of
the best facilities around."
On his fondest memory of TCU...
"The (NCAA) record of 406 yards is probably the memory that is still fresh in my mind. It was really a special moment not only for me but the way that the team reacted to it. Guys wanted to get it, and the fans were enthused about it and into it. That whole atmosphere to me was one of the best I had while I was at TCU."
On what he wants kids to take away from Camp LT...
"It's all about teaching the fundamentals of football but, more
importantly, we also try and teach them about life skills. Every one of the
coaches that are here care about these kids tremendously. All of them have
pretty much been here. They come every year because they really enjoy
coaching these kids and teaching them. When they get in classroom time,
they're talking about life skills, character, self-esteem and what they need to know as they get older. That's what I would like for them to take away from it. They are going to get the football stuff. That's all a part of it, but I want to get them to learn how to be respectful towards the people they are playing against and also their elders and their parents."
On dedicating the LT/VIZIO Educational Center at the Como Community Center...
"When I was here, I really enjoyed getting to know some of the kids in the
community. I know what Como is like. The kids really need a lot of guidance
and help. For them to have that Como Center, it gives them something to do.
It gives them something to get off the street and into something positive.
That's what our foundation is all about, giving back and helping kids trying to achieve their goals."
