LaDanian Tomlinson explains why he chose the Jets in 2010

Since there isn’t a ton of current news to talk about for the Minnesota Vikings, let’s take a look at a video the NFL Network just put out about a revelation from years past, shall we?

(Hat tip to the folks from The Viking Age for finding this gem first.)

If you’ll remember, Hall of Fame running back LaDanian Tomlinson was released by the Chargers following the 2009 NFL season. He was looking for a place to play in 2010, and his choice reportedly came down to the Vikings and the New York Jets. Tomlinson tells the story about how he made his decision, and even says that he chose the Jets despite the fact that the Vikings had more money on the table for him to come to Minnesota and, presumably, serve as Adrian Peterson’s backup.

So why did he, ultimately, choose the Jets? Because he followed the advice of noted American philosopher Sidney Deane in the classic film White Men Can’t Jump.

“Listen. . .to the woman.”

But at the end of the day, the Jets had a real nice baby basket that they prepared. My wife was pregnant at the time and of course you know the wife makes the decisions. She saw that basket and she was like, ‘Aww we’re going to the Jets. Look, they care about the baby,’ and it was over (after that).”

Yes, folks. . .the Tomlinsons were won over because the Jets gave them a baby basket and the Vikings, apparently, did not.

Of course, it ultimately wound up being a pretty good decision by Tomlinson. The Jets wound up playing in the AFC Championship Game that season, while the 2010 Vikings couldn’t get a second all-time season from Zombie Brett Favre, had the roof of their stadium cave in, and ultimately stumbled to a 6-10 record in a year that saw them fire their coach in mid-season.

But, if you were ever wondering why one of the greatest running backs of all time chose not to play for the Minnesota Vikings. . .well, there you have it.