The man commonly known in San Diego as “LT” has touched the hearts of sports fans across the country.
One of LaDainian Tomlinson’s biggest fans, however, doesn’t admire him for his smooth moves or gridiron accolades. Aaron Goldberg, the San Diego State men’s golf team’s de facto leader, admires how the Chargers’ star running back has an enlightening social agenda.
He appreciates his own athletic gifts, but is more intrigued by the gift of gab that Tomlinson displays off the field.
“One of the coolest things I’ve ever seen (was) on Easter (when) he spoke through the Rock Church at Cox Arena,” Goldberg said. “It was absolutely amazing to see the entire arena fill up, Peterson Gym fill up, to have people watch it on TV and to actually turn people away because so many came just to hear him talk.
“For him to talk (for) five minutes and change thousands of peoples’ lives just because it’s him, that’s really cool to me.”
Like Tomlinson, Goldberg hopes to use his athletic abilities to extend himself into many other venues.
Sinking putts and leading his team are thrilling endeavors, but making par is only part of the territory. Goldberg wants to do more than just fill shelves with trophies.
“I want to play golf and get good enough (to) where I’m known,” Goldberg said. “I don’t really care about being famous, but (I want to use) my talent as a platform to (be able to) talk to people.”
Such is not the mindset of most golfers, but then again, Goldberg isn’t like most golfers.
He navigates the path around bunkers and lakes for SDSU when necessary, but off the course he steers clear of the game. Ping sounds make him cringe and green is probably his least favorite color.
“I don’t have a job,” Goldberg said, “because golf pretty much is my job and it takes over my life. When I’m done practicing for the day, I like to get as far away from golf as possible. A lot of the guys (go) home and watch all the golf on TV. I can’t do that. I have plenty of golf in my life by just playing.”
Instead, he watches his favorite player, Tomlinson, and sees someone who does his job in the game and out of it. Something Goldberg aims for in the future.
