The 5-9, 215-pound former All-America running back from Youngstown State spent the better part of his first two NFL seasons on the practice squads of the Redskins and Baltimore Ravens before getting an opportunity to play last season for the Redskins. In nine games in '09, Mason averaged just under 4.0 yards per carry, toting the ball 32 times for 127 yards. He will attempt to earn a roster spot on a team in San Diego that averaged just 3.3 yards per carry last season.

"We've followed his progress through his young career," said General Manager A.J. Smith, "and when he came available, we decided to give him an opportunity to earn a spot with the Chargers."

The 25-year-old Mason played two collegiate seasons at YSU after transferring from the University of Illinois. He averaged an impressive 5.7 yards per carry in two seasons for the Penguins, racking up 2,739 yards and 31 touchdowns on 478 carries. He set a school record with 1,847 yards as a senior, en route to being named Offensive Player of the Year for the Gateway Conference.

The Redskins signed Mason as a free agent in 2007. He spent one week on their active roster, though he did not appear in a game, and the rest of the season on Washington's practice squad. In 2008, Washington released Mason following training camp and the preseason in which he led the NFL in rushing with 371 yards on 66 carries, a 4.8-yard average. That year Mason would spend eight weeks on Baltimore's practice squad and six more weeks on the New York Jets' active roster, but he did not appear in any games for the Jets. The Redskins re-acquired Mason off waivers from the Jets in April, 2009.

The Chargers added depth to their offensive backfield on Monday, claiming running back Marcus Mason off waivers from the Washington Redskins.

The 5-9, 215-pound former All-America running back from Youngstown State spent the better part of his first two NFL seasons on the practice squads of the Redskins and Baltimore Ravens before getting an opportunity to play last season for the Redskins. In nine games in '09, Mason averaged just under 4.0 yards per carry, toting the ball 32 times for 127 yards. He will attempt to earn a roster spot on a team in San Diego that averaged just 3.3 yards per carry last season.

"We've followed his progress through his young career," said General Manager A.J. Smith, "and when he came available, we decided to give him an opportunity to earn a spot with the Chargers."

The 25-year-old Mason played two collegiate seasons at YSU after transferring from the University of Illinois. He averaged an impressive 5.7 yards per carry in two seasons for the Penguins, racking up 2,739 yards and 31 touchdowns on 478 carries. He set a school record with 1,847 yards as a senior, en route to being named Offensive Player of the Year for the Gateway Conference.

The Redskins signed Mason as a free agent in 2007. He spent one week on their active roster, though he did not appear in a game, and the rest of the season on Washington's practice squad. In 2008, Washington released Mason following training camp and the preseason in which he led the NFL in rushing with 371 yards on 66 carries, a 4.8-yard average. That year Mason would spend eight weeks on Baltimore's practice squad and six more weeks on the New York Jets' active roster, but he did not appear in any games for the Jets. The Redskins re-acquired Mason off waivers from the Jets in April, 2009.

Running back LaDainian Tomlinson, the Chargers all-time leading rusher, was released today after nine remarkable seasons in San Diego.

Chargers President Dean Spanos met with Tomlinson today and informed his veteran running back that he is being released.

"This is a part of the business that I hate, and it's particularly hard when you're dealing with someone I consider a friend," Spanos said. "Change involving great players is never easy. I respect LT as much or more than any player I've ever known. And no one appreciates his contributions to this organization more than I do. That is why this is such a difficult announcement for me to make.

"It has been a privilege to work with him and witness his entire career. I'm proud of him and grateful to him for the way he has carried himself both on and off the field.

"No matter where he chooses to continue his career, in my mind LT will always be a San Diego Charger. His legacy as one of the greatest running backs the game has ever seen will be as a Charger."

Tomlinson owns or shares 28 team records, including career rushing yards, yards from scrimmage and touchdowns. During his nine seasons in San Diego, Tomlinson won two rushing titles (2006 and '07), set an NFL single-season record for touchdowns in a season (31 in '06) and racked up 12,490 rushing yards, the eighth-highest total in NFL history. He was the NFL's Most Valuable Player in 2006 and earned Pro Bowl honors five times.

"I was fortunate to be the offensive coordinator here during LT's rookie year in 2001 and it didn't take long to realize that we were dealing with a special player and a special individual," Chargers Head Coach Norv Turner said. "And when I returned to the Chargers in 2007, I was proud to be a part of his second NFL rushing title.

"LT is a true pro. He's one of the greatest runners this game has ever seen and words can't do justice to the things he's accomplished on and off the field."

In addition to his long list of achievements on the gridiron, Tomlinson's tireless efforts in the community have benefitted thousands of individuals in San Diego as well as his native Texas. In 2006, LT received the NFL Man of the Year Award in recognition of his numerous philanthropic efforts.

"It's fitting that LT's and LaTorsha's charity is called the 'Touching Lives Foundation' because that's exactly what they've done," Spanos said. "So many people have been positively affected by their generosity. Our community has been fortunate to have them."

Tomlinson joined the Chargers in 2001 as the fifth overall selection in the NFL Draft. The Chargers originally held the top pick in the draft, but swung a trade with the Atlanta Falcons, who moved up to take quarterback Michael Vick. The Chargers nervously waited as Tomlinson fell to the fifth spot where they enthusiastically brought him into their fold.

"There were a lot of eyebrows raised when we made that trade, but LT proved to be everything we thought he'd be and more," Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith said. "He's a future Hall of Famer. My only regret is that he leaves San Diego without a Super Bowl ring."

Tomlinson was one of 53 men recognized as the Greatest All-Time Chargers during the team's 50th anniversary celebration last season and he was recently named to the NFL's All-Decade Team for the 2000s. His 138 career rushing touchdowns are the second most in NFL history and his 153 total touchdowns ranks third in league annals.

"I look forward to the time when we'll see his number retired and see him inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame," Spanos said. "I can't say enough about how much I've enjoyed being around LT and LaTorsha the last nine years."

Patriots, Titans, Cardinals highlight home schedule

The San Diego Chargers announced today that ticket prices for 2010 will remain the same for the third-consecutive season.

Season ticket prices range from $48 to $90 per game. All single-game tickets, if available, will range from $54 to $98. Season ticket holders receive a savings of up to $110 over single-game purchases.

Chargers fans once again will be treated to an exciting schedule of home games. The home schedule includes matchups against quarterback Tom Brady and the New England Patriots; wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and the Arizona Cardinals, as well as another hard-fought battle against rushing champion Chris Johnson and the Tennessee Titans. The Chargers also will take on the San Francisco 49ers and the Jacksonville Jaguars, both in the playoff hunt late in the '09 season, as well as AFC West rivals Denver, Kansas City and Oakland.

The Chargers, winners of four consecutive AFC West titles and five in the last six years, continue to provide one of the most exciting and successful teams in the NFL. Seventy wins over the past six years ranks fourth in the NFL, and that strong showing on the field has led to 48 consecutive regular-season and postseason home sellouts.

Season tickets are available now by calling 877-CHARGERS, going to www.chargers.com or stopping by the Chargers' ticket office at Gate C at Qualcomm Stadium.

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Chargers kicker Nate Kaeding will miss the 2010 Pro Bowl due to a groin strain. He will be replaced on the AFC roster by Miami Dolphins kicker Dan Carpenter.

This would have been Kaeding's second-career Pro Bowl. He kicked the game-winning field goal for the AFC in a 31-28 win over the NFC at the 2007 Pro Bowl in Hawaii's Aloha Stadium.

San Diego President Dean Spanos signed Head Coach Norv Turner to a three-year contract extension today, extending his contract through the 2013 season.  "I'm extremely proud of the job Norv has done with this team," said Spanos. "In three seasons he's led the team to three division titles.  I'm confident that if we strengthen our roster and continue to provide Norv the assets he needs, this team will have continued success."

Turner has the top overall winning percentage in team history at .648 (35-19) as well as the top regular-season percentage (32-16, .667).  The Chargers are 13-0 in December under Turner and 4-3 in January.  His three playoff wins are tied for most in team history.  The team's 13 regular-season wins in 2009 are the second most in team history, and includes a team-high seven wins on the road and a 4-0 sweep of the NFC East.  The team committed the second-fewest turnovers (17) and the third-fewest penalty yards (570) during the regular season.  Its 78 penalties are the fewest by the Chargers since 1976 when there were 14-game seasons.

Turner's leadership did not go unnoticed nationally as USA Today named him its NFL Coach of the Year. 

On January 12, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake hit the island of Haiti causing widespread death and destruction. Thousands are homeless and the death toll is rising. There is an immediate need for food, water, temporary shelter and medical services for the victims of this devastating natural disaster.

The San Diego Chargers are urging all NFL fans to reach out and help the American Red Cross bring desperately-needed supplies into this area.

Please help today by texting “HAITI” to 90999 and a donation of $10 will be given automatically to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts; the charge will appear on the next cell phone bill.

The American Red Cross is also accepting other forms of monetary donations to support relief efforts.   Donors may send checks to the local chapter, designating Haiti Relief to: American Red Cross of San Diego/Imperial Counties, 3950 Calle Fortunada, San Diego, CA 92123, or by calling (858) 309-1200.  

You can also click on this link for the local chapter of the American Red Cross at www.sdarc.org and make a donation through their secure website.

The people in Haiti need our help today.  Please join with the Chargers and support the important work of the American Red Cross.

• The San Diego Chargers won their fourth consecutive AFC West title and their fifth title in the last six years.  Only New England (7) and Indianapolis (6) have won more division titles in the last DECADE.
• Since 2004, the Chargers are third in the NFL with 67 regular-season wins.  Only Indianapolis (77) and New England (73) have won more.  Pittsburgh (65), Dallas (57), Philadelphia (57) and Denver (55) trail San Diego.
• Over the last decade (2000-09), the Chargers won 85 regular-season games to rank 10th among the 32 NFL teams.  The team also won five division titles, tied for third in the NFL.
• The Chargers clinched a first-round bye for the sixth time in team history (1979, '80, '81, '94, '06 & '09).  The 1980 and '81 teams continued on to the AFC Championship Game before losing.  The 1994 Chargers won the AFC and appeared in Super Bowl XXIX in Miami. . The Chargers have won 18 consecutive games in the month of December dating back to a 24-21 win at Buffalo on December 3, 2006. It's the most ever for the month of December and ties an NFL record for the most in a calendar month with the Miami Dolphins set in November during the 1970-74 seasons.

Verve Records artist and actress Katharine McPhee will perform at the Chargers official tailgate, the Bud Light Power Party, before singing the National Anthem to kickoff the Chargers AFC Divisional playoff game against the New York Jets.

Fans first met McPhee on Season Five of American Idol. The runner-up could seemingly sing any style of music, but especially mesmerized millions with her heart-stirring rendition of "Over the Rainbow."  Her first solo album debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard Top 200 in early 2007. In her recently released album, Unbroken, the extent of her talent becomes apparent-not only as a singer but as a songwriter. The performer's new single, "Had it all" is currently available for purchase on iTunes.

McPhee's acting credits include an appearance on "CSI: New York," where she premiered "Say Goodbye," a heartbreaking ballad from Unbroken, as well as a co-starring role in the 2008 hit, "The House Bunny."  As a recording artist, Katharine found early success with her debut album, Katharine McPhee and her first single "Over the Rainbow"/"My Destiny" which both debuted at number two on Billboard's 200 and Hot Singles Sales Charts, respectively.

The Bud Light Power Party is free and located in Lot E2/F2. The party opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 12:30 p.m.

For more information about McPhee, visit her official MySpace page, www.myspace.com/katharinemcphee, or Kim Jakwerth at kim@marleahleslie.com or 323-464-9669.

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Former San Diego Chargers Head Coach Don Coryell is among the 15 modern-era finalists for election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame when the Hall’s Selection Committee meets in South Florida on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010.  

Three first-year eligible players - Tim Brown, Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith - also are among the 15 modern-era finalists.
 
Joining Coryell and the three first-year eligible players are 10 other modern-era players.  The 15 modern-era finalists, along with the two senior nominees announced in August 2009 (former Detroit Lions cornerback Dick LeBeau and former Denver Broncos running back Floyd Little) will be the only candidates considered for Hall of Fame election when the 44-member Selection Committee meets. To be elected, a finalist must receive a minimum positive vote of 80 percent.

Also, for the first time fans are invited to vote for their choice for the Pro Football Hall of Fame with the Van Heusen Pro Football Hall of Fame Fan’s Choice at www.fanschoice.com.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame, Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation and JC Penney Company have teamed to provide the first-ever dedicated forum for fans to debate, discuss and voice their choice by voting for the Hall of Fame Enshrinee Class of 2010. The robust forum also includes stats on all candidates and opinions from football experts, Hall of Fame players and fans around the country.
 
The official Hall of Fame Selection Committee’s 17 finalists (15 Modern-Era and two Senior Nominees*) with their positions, teams, and years active follow:

• Tim Brown – Wide Receiver/Kick Returner – 1988-2003 Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders, 2004 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Cris Carter – Wide Receiver – 1987-89 Philadelphia Eagles, 1990-2001 Minnesota Vikings, 2002 Miami Dolphins
• Don Coryell – Coach – 1973-77 St. Louis Cardinals, 1978-1986 San Diego Chargers
• Roger Craig – Running Back – 1983-1990 San Francisco 49ers, 1991 Los Angeles Raiders, 1992-93 Minnesota Vikings
• Dermonti Dawson – Center – 1988-2000 Pittsburgh Steelers
• Richard Dent – Defensive End – 1983-1993, 1995 Chicago Bears, 1994 San Francisco 49ers, 1996 Indianapolis Colts, 1997 Philadelphia Eagles
• Russ Grimm – Guard – 1981-1991 Washington Redskins
• Charles Haley – Defensive End/Linebacker – 1986-1991, 1999 San Francisco 49ers, 1992-96 Dallas Cowboys
• Rickey Jackson – Linebacker – 1981-1993 New Orleans Saints, 1994-95 San Francisco 49ers
• Cortez Kennedy – Defensive Tackle – 1990-2000 Seattle Seahawks
• Dick LeBeau* – Cornerback – 1959-1972 Detroit Lions
• Floyd Little* – Running Back – 1967-1975 Denver Broncos
• John Randle – Defensive Tackle – 1990-2000 Minnesota Vikings, 2001-03 Seattle Seahawks
• Andre Reed – Wide Receiver – 1985-1999 Buffalo Bills, 2000 Washington Redskins
• Jerry Rice – Wide Receiver – 1985-2000 San Francisco 49ers, 2001-04 Oakland Raiders, 2004 Seattle Seahawks
• Shannon Sharpe – Tight End – 1990-99, 2002-03 Denver Broncos, 2000-01 Baltimore Ravens
• Emmitt Smith – Running Back – 1990-2002 Dallas Cowboys, 2003-04 Arizona Cardinals

            
Carter, Dawson, Dent, Grimm, Kennedy, Randle, Reed, and Sharpe have all been finalists in previous years.  Although they were eligible in previous years, this is the first time Coryell, Craig, Haley, Jackson, Little, and LeBeau have been finalists.
 
From this year’s list, five players – Dawson, Grimm, Kennedy, LeBeau, and Little – spent their entire NFL career with just one team.  
 
LeBeau and Little were selected as senior candidates by the Hall of Fame’s Seniors Committee at their August 2009 meeting.  The Seniors Committee reviews the qualifications of those players whose careers took place more than 25 years ago.  The remaining 15 modern-era finalists were determined by a vote of the Hall’s 44-member Selection Committee from a list of 131 preliminary nominees that earlier was reduced to a list of 25 semifinalists.  To be eligible for election, modern-era players and coaches must be retired at least five years (prior to 2007 coaches were eligible immediately after retiring).

Since Coryell retired prior to the 2007 change in coach’s eligibility, he has been eligible the longest of the modern-era nominees, 23 years.  Grimm has been eligible 14 years, while Craig has been eligible 12 years.  Jackson has been eligible for 10 years, Dent eight years, Haley six years, Reed, Dawson and Kennedy five years, Carter three years, Randle and Sharpe two years. Brown, Rice and Smith are in their first year of eligibility.  Senior nominees LeBeau and Little have been eligible 33 years and 30 years respectively.

The Selection Committee will meet in South Florida, on Saturday, February 6, 2010, to elect the Hall of Fame Class of 2010. The election results will be announced at 5 p.m. ET during a one-hour NFL Network special, live from the Broward County Convention Center.
 
At the 2010 selection meeting, the selectors will thoroughly discuss the careers of each finalist.  Although there is no set number for any class of enshrinees, the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s current ground rules stipulate that between four and seven new members will be selected each year.  No more than five modern-era nominees can be elected in a given year and a class of six or seven can only be achieved if one or both senior nominees are elected. Representatives of the accounting firm Deloitte & Touche will tabulate all votes during the meeting.

At the announcement, Pro Football Hall of Fame President/Executive Director Steve Perry will be presented with an envelope containing the names of the nominees elected.  Each newly elected member will be contacted immediately by the Hall of Fame.  Members of the Class of 2010 in South Florida for the Super Bowl will be asked to join the live announcement show.  Those not able to attend will be asked to join via teleconference.

The Van Heusen Fan’s Choice campaign which launched in September, mirrors the Hall of Fame’s selection process and will name the first-ever Fan’s Choice Class live on NFL Network just prior to the official announcement from the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
 
The Van Heusen Fan’s Choice Top 15 list includes seven candidates who also appear on the official Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee list including: Tim Brown, Cris Carter, Richard Dent, Charles Haley, Jerry Rice, Shannon Sharpe and Emmitt Smith.
 
Others who made the Van Heusen Fan’s Choice Top 15 list who didn’t make the official Hall of Fame Selection Committee list include an athletic trainer, Otho Davis; a coach, Tom Flores; as well as former players, Cliff Branch, Todd Christensen, Ray Guy, Lester Hayes, Ed “Too Tall” Jones , and Jim Plunkett.
 
The Final Round of fan voting begins today and the top 15 Fan’s choices will be combined with the Hall of Fame Selection Committee choices for one powerhouse list of candidates looking for fans’ votes to become a part of the inaugural Fan’s Choice class.
 
Fans are encouraged to visit www.fanschoice.com to vote for their favorites before the Fan’s Choice Class is revealed on February 6.

The Chargers announced today that their AFC Divisional Playoff Game scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 17 is sold out.

“We’ve had a tremendous response from our season ticket holders as well as fans interested in becoming new season ticket holders,” said Jim Steeg, the Chargers’ executive vice president and chief operating officer.  “Nearly all of our current season ticket holders bought their seats for the game.  And we’ve also sold a lot of new season seats for 2010.  Finally, we gave our season ticket holders the opportunity to purchase additional playoff tickets and they scooped up the remaining seats in less than 48 hours. 

“This is a great indicator of the excitement surrounding the team and the upcoming playoffs.” 

The team has held back a very limited number of playoff tickets that are available only to fans purchasing season tickets.  And there is a very limited number of suite and other premium-seating opportunities available.  Season tickets for the 2010 season may be purchased at the Chargers’ ticket office at Gate C at Qualcomm Stadium, calling 877-CHARGERS or going to www.CHARGERS.com.

The Chargers will play New England, Cincinnati or the New York Jets on Sunday, Jan. 17 at 1:40 pm PT. 

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