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.
The list of Modern-Era nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2017 is comprised of 94 players and coaches. Among the nominees announced are several first-year eligible players including quarterback Donovan McNabb, running back LaDainian Tomlinson, wide receiver Hines Ward and defensive end Jason Taylor.