When LaDainian Tomlinson went back to the Chargers locker room, there was a special guest waiting for him that wanted to offer his congratulations.

It was Jim Brown.

Tomlinson, as he was heading for the team bus of the Chargers said, yes it was a perfect day. For a long time I have thought about this day coming. If I passed Jim I wanted it to happen in Cleveland. I wanted to be able to talk after the game inside the locker room with him.

Tomlinson stiff-armed the Hall of Famer from Cleveland from the eighth position on the NFL’s all-time career rushing list. He also scored the 150th touchdown of his career on a run of 4 yards as San Diego won their seventh consecutive game and 15th straight in December with their 30-23 defeat of the Browns on Sunday.

Tomlinson was able to fulfill a dream from childhood when he moved past Brown. It started out playing touch football games in Texas.

Tomlinson said, when I was playing football as a kid out in my back yard, I always look to those great running backs. Lots of days out there I would be Jim Brown out on the field. It’s extra special being able to do this right here in Cleveland. It’s hard to tell you what this means. It seems like it was meant to happen in Cleveland.

During the fourth quarter when Tomlinson passed by Brown with his run of 11 yards up the middle, the Chargers running back pointed at Brown sitting up in his luxury suite. Tomlinson patted his heart then saluted him.

Brown says, he’s a very classy guy. We really love each other. The reason I came to the locker room was to show my respect. It doesn’t matter what my position in history is to me. However the respect I give and get is very important to me. I couldn’t ever do what Hugh McElhenny or Walter Payton or Barry Sanders did. They were completely different from me. Trying to make moves like Barry Sanders would break my legs.

Antonio Gates had 167 receiving yards, his career high, for San Diego (9-3). They got off to a slow start and at halftime had only a 13-7 lead. However during the third quarter Philip Rivers led the Chargers on drives for touchdowns of 83 and 85 yards in nine minutes to open their lead up to 27-7.

With 5:58 remaining third quarter the touchdown by Tomlinson gave the Chargers a 20 point lead, and placed him in some elite company with some the greatest NFL players.

Tomlinson scored his 150th touchdown faster than anyone in NFL history, reaching that milestone during his 137th game played. It took Emmit Smith 160 games and Jerry Rice 167 games to reach 150 touchdowns scored.

Tomlinson said, scoring touchdowns is what I enjoy doing more than anything else. One of the reasons is because that’s how you win- by scoring touchdowns. What I always say if if I am scoring touchdowns, I think we are winning. That is special.

Tomlinson was asked if surpassing Brown or scoring his 150th touchdown was better.

Tomlinson said passing Jim Brown. I remember my father talked about Jim Brown when I was a kid. Dad really loved him. Everyone love Jim Brown. Rightfully so. Today even when you are talking about great running backs, most people say Jim Brown was the greatest.

Tomlinson rushed for 64 yards in 20 carries. He now has a total of 12,321 rushing yards in his career. In seventh place all time is Tony Dorsett with his 12,739 career rushing yards.

Rivers had two touchdown passes, both to running backs on short routes, as San Diego continues to surge after starting at 2-3.

With the Cowboys and Bengals looming on their schedule, the Chargers wouldn’t afford overlooking Cleveland (1-11), who has lost seven games in a row with injuries mounting.

At halftime the Chargers appeared to be in some trouble.

However, by the time the third quarter had ended San Diego didn’t have much to be concerned about.

Rivers said, the game got close. Close enough for us to be uncomfortable.

During the third quarter the Chargers dominated the Browns thoroughly. They out gained Cleveland 208 yards to 10 and in passing yards 164 to 0, as they held the football for 12:06 minutes.

During the third quarter Rivers went 7 out of 8 and had four completed passes to Gates for a total of 114 yards. The aerial assault of San Diego’s was highlighted when Gates, a former basketball star at Kent State, boxed Hank Poteat and Abram Elam out to grab the pass of 56 yards.

Tomlinson said, he never stops amazing me. He’s so dominant. He can’t be covered one on one. Antonio looks just like he did when playing basketball. His mindset when the balls’ in the air is it’s all mine.

For the Browns Brady Quinn had three touchdown passes. Cleveland has lost 10 home games in a row, a franchise record. They will need to prepare to play the Steelers, an angry team, on Thursday. On Sunday, Pittsburgh lost to Oakland at home 27-24.

David Bowens, Browns linebacker said, they made lots of big plays. That was key to this game. They’ve got lots of weapons. Gates made big catches and L.T. Is a really great player.

Cleveland, how during the first half had a very cost turnover, was able to make the score respectable when they scored 16 points during the fourth quarter. Quinn connected with Jerome Harrison, running back, on two touchdown scores.

A field goal of 49 yards from Phil Dawson made the score 30-23. However the onside kick was recovered by Tomlinson with 38 seconds left to play.

Tomlinson said, that was the most important play of the game. It sealed the victory.

Along with his perfect day.