Rex Ryan conceded during his Thursday news conference that LaDainian Tomlinson no longer possesses the speed he had during his iconic run in San Diego, but the Jets coach believes the veteran running back has more than enough left in the tank at age 32.

In fact, Ryan sees Tomlinson’s trademark quickness setting him up well for a future on awkward, televised dancing competitions.

“He’s a guy that I think when it’s all said and done, when his career is over and he’s in the Hall of Fame and all that, he’ll come back and win ‘Dancing in the Stars’ contest,” Ryan said.

We think you mean “Dancing with the Stars”, Rex.

“What is it? ‘Dancing with the Stars’?” Ryan asked as the assembled media chuckled at his lack of knowledge about the ABC ratings juggernaut. “I created my own show, I don’t know what you guys are talking about.

“‘Dancing in the stars’. Anybody can do it with the stars.”

Let’s hope Tomlinson isn’t motivated by his coach’s prediction. NFL stars have done well on “Dancing” (Emmitt Smith and Hines Ward won it), but we want to remember L.T. going up against Bill Belichick, not Slater from “Saved By The Bell.”

– Dan Hanzus

UPDATE: Tomlinson was asked after practice if he’d be interested in a “Stars” appearance. “Uh, no,” he said with a laugh, according to The Associated Press. “I won’t be on ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ That’s not going to happen. But I’m glad Rex can still see the skills. I would say back then, I used to be real fast. Now I’m just, you know, fast.”

Posted in: Around The Web  | comments  |