POWAY, Calif. -- LaDainian Tomlinson bid an emotional farewell to San Diego, then looked toward a future that he hopes will include an elusive Super Bowl title.

"It's definitely sad to leave, but I'm excited, as well, about the future," Tomlinson said during a press conference Wednesday. The Chargers released him Monday after a mostly brilliant nine-year run in which he became one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.

Tomlinson thanked the fans; his teammates throughout the years; the Chargers, for giving him a chance; and lastly, his pregnant wife, LaTorsha, who was sitting to his right in a ballroom at a suburban golf course.

L.T., who always seemed to be in control, whether it was on a dazzling, slashing run, or going airborne over a pile of bodies into the end zone, began to choke up. He needed a few minutes to compose himself.

"Sorry," he said, as he fought back tears. "It's probably because I was all prepared and said I wasn't going to do this. Sometimes emotions are what makes a person and as you guys know, I've always worn my emotions on my sleeve."

Had Tomlinson won a Super Bowl title or two with the Chargers, he may very well have been announcing his retirement.

He didn't even make it to a Super Bowl, though, and said he plans to keep pursuing his goal with whichever team will give him a chance.

As Chargers fans remain painfully aware, some of their biggest stars have been tossed aside and found success elsewhere. Tomlinson said he recently spoke with Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees, who less than three weeks ago led the New Orleans Saints to their first NFL title. Tomlinson and Brees were acquired with the Chargers' first two picks in the 2001 draft.