Elected to the Orange County Committee of Public Safety in 1774, he soon parlayed that office into a seat in the new Virginia state assembly after independence. Father of the constitution: James Madison, more than any other individual, is responsible for the U.S. Constitution.
But on Saturday, Tomlinson joined the likes of Payton, Barry Sanders and Emmitt Smith when he was selected for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Tomlinson became the 75th player selected for induction on the first ballot, voted in by attaining 80 percent approval from the 48-person selection committee.
Tomlinson is the Chargers' all-time leading rusher, and ranks fifth on the NFL's all-time list with 13,684 yards. He and Taylor, who retired in 2011 with 139 1/2 sacks and 40 forced fumbles, were elected in their first year of eligibility.