Sad news out of the NFL community as former Chargers running back Lionel “Little Train” James passed away after a lengthy illness. He was 59.
Drafted out of Auburn by the Chargers in the fifth round of the 1984 NFL Draft, the small running back with a big heart was a fan favorite in San Diego over his five years with the team.
In his rookie season, he led the league in kick return yards with 959. While he wasn’t an All-Pro or a dominant force on the field during his career, James did become the first player in NFL history to have 500 rushing yards, 1,000 receiving yards and 750 kick return yards in a single season.
Even more impressive is that his record still stands to this day.
At Auburn, James played alongside Heisman Trophy winner Bo Jackson and led the Tigers in all-purpose yards two consecutive years (1981 and 1982). He was later inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.
“Lionel James defined Auburn football for a generation,” said former Auburn sports information director and director of athletics David Housel.
The 5-foot-6 player weighed 150 pounds when he arrived at Auburn, but his talent and heart outweighed his physical stats and he quickly won over the team and the school.
“Pound for pound one of the greatest all-purpose players to play the game of football,” said former Tigers running back Tommy Agee. “Always put the team first. He was one of the reasons why I came to Auburn. He showed me what the Auburn family, the Auburn team, was all about on my official visit.”
In 1987, his legacy at the SEC school was cemented forever when the program permanently named the A-Day offensive MVP award the Lionel James Offensive MVP Award.
“James – the Little Engine That Could,” said Housel. “All of the things you want to think Auburn football is about, Lionel James summarized. He wasn’t big in stature, but he was big in heart, and he symbolized Auburn football for a generation or more.”
RIP Little Train.
