Chiefs Babb: Larry Johnson says better supporting cast improves his attitude - Page 2

**Tribal Warfare** · 08-28-2009, 12:33 AM

Larry Johnson says better supporting cast improves his attitude
By KENT BABB
The Kansas City Star

L arry Johnson knows the line he’s walking, and he knows how close he came this last offseason to crossing it. The Chiefs’ occasionally unhappy, occasionally outstanding running back said Thursday that he realized the team could have given up on him during a tumultuous series of months.

“If they wanted to get rid of me,” Johnson said Thursday, “they had a chance to get rid of me.”

The Chiefs held on to Johnson, whose attitude since last season’s finale ranged from sour to desperate to optimistic — or something like it. There’s no doubt that Kansas City needs Johnson’s rushing skills. He’s a big, experienced back who still knows how to exploit weak defenses. A healthy and motivated Johnson could help a Chiefs offense that has few star players, and he also is an essential part of lifting some pressure from quarterback Matt Cassel’s shoulders.

It was the addition of Cassel, and several other promising players, that helped improve Johnson’s attitude, he said Thursday. He said the Chiefs’ blind reliance last year on young players created a culture of losing — and the belief that awful seasons are acceptable for a rebuilding team. Johnson said Thursday that he never agreed with former coach Herm Edwards on that philosophy. Now, Johnson said, the Chiefs’ locker room is filled with known players, some of whom have won at the highest level.

“We didn’t go get guys off the street,” he said. “We actually got guys who have played in the league, were successful in this league and guys that wanted to play. They’re not just settling for 2-14 with a group of guys that were OK and comfortable with being 2-14. They went to get guys who wanted to be 16-0.”

Johnson praised first-time general manager Scott Pioli for acquiring players such as Cassel, linebackers Mike Vrabel and Zach Thomas, and wide receivers Amani Toomer and Ashley Lelie. Johnson said that he believes Pioli recognized the Chiefs’ weaknesses and then addressed them. Johnson said that was different than the way Kansas City was run last year.

“Ever since I’ve been here,” he said, “we wouldn’t go get those types of players that we’ve got right now. Having those guys, including Matt Cassel, be a part of the Chiefs, made me excited to be a Chief. We actually feel, with those guys, we’ve got a chance.”

Coach Todd Haley has praised Johnson at times, saying he has done — and said — all the right things since Haley and Pioli joined the Chiefs earlier this year. But Haley has added that he’s waiting to judge Johnson’s actions, particularly if the team or Johnson struggles in 2009.

Johnson said Thursday that he considered life after Kansas City, especially after he said several times during the offseason that the community no longer felt like home. He amended that belief during his impromptu meeting with reporters, saying his anger then was aimed more toward a “handful of people that I have actually encountered that kind of turned their backs on me.”

He didn’t say whether those conflicts were personal or professional in nature, but he indicated that the problems had softened to the point that he could feel happy again in Kansas City. Johnson said during training camp that, in his early meetings with Haley and Pioli, the Chiefs seemed willing to overlook — temporarily, at least — that, in addition to his frustrations with the Chiefs, Johnson was benched and suspended last year after two arrests involving alcohol and women.

Still, Johnson admitted that his future with the Chiefs could be uncertain — but that he thinks he’d have options.

“They can cut me right now,” he said. “Everybody knows in football that there’s no such thing as guaranteed money. They can take it from you today; they could cut me today if they wanted to.

“As (long) as my legs can run, I’m pretty sure I could get a job anywhere else. Maybe not for the money I’m getting right now, but I’d surely be getting paid.”

Johnson, 29, admitted that last year was a reminder that his career, especially now that he’s aging and after a season in which he was phased out of the Chiefs’ offense, is fragile. He said he learned some things the hard way, and whether he meant it Thursday or will believe it in a few months, Johnson said he doesn’t plan to forget those lessons.

“I don’t think it’s a grown-up thing,” he said. “I think it’s more a smart as far as using your head in situations and being able to come into a new situation. You take all that to heart and knowing that they could’ve gotten rid of you, and they kept you. You just play the cards that are dealt you and see where it leads you.”

**Bane** · 08-28-2009, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaKCMan AP

A lot depends on how the line blocks. After a mediocre 2007 season he averaged 4.5ypc last year.

He should be well rested that's for sure.I'm thinking 1500 yards and 10 TD's.
Yeah I know I'm dreaming,but what the hell....

**DaKCMan AP** · 08-28-2009, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bane_58

He should be well rested that's for sure.I'm thinking 1500 yards and 10 TD's.
Yeah I know I'm dreaming,but what the hell....

If he stays healthy, 1200 and 8 is more realistic.

**Bane** · 08-28-2009, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaKCMan AP

If he stays healthy, 1200 and 8 is more realistic.

I truly hope so,he has pissed me off in the past but if the line blocks and Cassel plays like the gods say he will LJ should have a good year.He hasn't had a major injury for his age other than hurting his vagina so I hope he gets his ass in gear.

Reerun_KC · 08-28-2009, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bane_58

I truly hope so,he has pissed me off in the past but if the line blocks and Cassel plays like the gods say he will LJ should have a good year.He hasn't had a major injury for his age other than hurting his vagina so I hope he gets his ass in gear.

maybe pick up a block or two?

**Bane** · 08-28-2009, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reerun_KC

maybe pick up a block or two?

Now that would be something!!!!

Hoover · 08-28-2009, 07:39 AM

So it took Toomer, Thomas and Vrabel to make him happy. Weird

**notorious** · 08-28-2009, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoover

So it took Toomer, Thomas and Vrabel to make him happy. Weird

Immature minds want guidance.

Reerun_KC · 08-28-2009, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notorious

Immature minds want guidance.

Sofa King · 08-28-2009, 08:21 AM

"Johnson, 29, admitted that last year was a reminder that his career, especially now that he’s aging and after a season in which he was phased out of the Chiefs’ offense, is fragile"

sounds like pedro cerrano going through his budda stage... "ball in blue sky like lonely snowflake"

Spicy McHaggis · 08-28-2009, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

“They can cut me right now,” Larry said. “Everybody knows in football that there’s no such thing as guaranteed money. They can take it from you today; they could cut me today if they wanted to.

Well Larry, there is guaranteed money in football. Matthew Stafford is counting 40 million of it right now. But the money is only for people that don't get arrested constantly and violate their contract. So start keep working on that part of this and everything might work out.

08-28-2009, 12:33 AM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-2807187	Babb: Larry Johnson says better supporting cast improves his attitude Larry Johnson says better supporting cast improves his attitude By KENT BABB The Kansas City Star L arry Johnson knows the line he’s walking, and he knows how close he came this last offseason to crossing it. The Chiefs’ occasionally unhappy, occasionally outstanding running back said Thursday that he realized the team could have given up on him during a tumultuous series of months. “If they wanted to get rid of me,” Johnson said Thursday, “they had a chance to get rid of me.” The Chiefs held on to Johnson, whose attitude since last season’s finale ranged from sour to desperate to optimistic — or something like it. There’s no doubt that Kansas City needs Johnson’s rushing skills. He’s a big, experienced back who still knows how to exploit weak defenses. A healthy and motivated Johnson could help a Chiefs offense that has few star players, and he also is an essential part of lifting some pressure from quarterback Matt Cassel’s shoulders. It was the addition of Cassel, and several other promising players, that helped improve Johnson’s attitude, he said Thursday. He said the Chiefs’ blind reliance last year on young players created a culture of losing — and the belief that awful seasons are acceptable for a rebuilding team. Johnson said Thursday that he never agreed with former coach Herm Edwards on that philosophy. Now, Johnson said, the Chiefs’ locker room is filled with known players, some of whom have won at the highest level. “We didn’t go get guys off the street,” he said. “We actually got guys who have played in the league, were successful in this league and guys that wanted to play. They’re not just settling for 2-14 with a group of guys that were OK and comfortable with being 2-14. They went to get guys who wanted to be 16-0.” Johnson praised first-time general manager Scott Pioli for acquiring players such as Cassel, linebackers Mike Vrabel and Zach Thomas, and wide receivers Amani Toomer and Ashley Lelie. Johnson said that he believes Pioli recognized the Chiefs’ weaknesses and then addressed them. Johnson said that was different than the way Kansas City was run last year. “Ever since I’ve been here,” he said, “we wouldn’t go get those types of players that we’ve got right now. Having those guys, including Matt Cassel, be a part of the Chiefs, made me excited to be a Chief. We actually feel, with those guys, we’ve got a chance.” Coach Todd Haley has praised Johnson at times, saying he has done — and said — all the right things since Haley and Pioli joined the Chiefs earlier this year. But Haley has added that he’s waiting to judge Johnson’s actions, particularly if the team or Johnson struggles in 2009. Johnson said Thursday that he considered life after Kansas City, especially after he said several times during the offseason that the community no longer felt like home. He amended that belief during his impromptu meeting with reporters, saying his anger then was aimed more toward a “handful of people that I have actually encountered that kind of turned their backs on me.” He didn’t say whether those conflicts were personal or professional in nature, but he indicated that the problems had softened to the point that he could feel happy again in Kansas City. Johnson said during training camp that, in his early meetings with Haley and Pioli, the Chiefs seemed willing to overlook — temporarily, at least — that, in addition to his frustrations with the Chiefs, Johnson was benched and suspended last year after two arrests involving alcohol and women. Still, Johnson admitted that his future with the Chiefs could be uncertain — but that he thinks he’d have options. “They can cut me right now,” he said. “Everybody knows in football that there’s no such thing as guaranteed money. They can take it from you today; they could cut me today if they wanted to. “As (long) as my legs can run, I’m pretty sure I could get a job anywhere else. Maybe not for the money I’m getting right now, but I’d surely be getting paid.” Johnson, 29, admitted that last year was a reminder that his career, especially now that he’s aging and after a season in which he was phased out of the Chiefs’ offense, is fragile. He said he learned some things the hard way, and whether he meant it Thursday or will believe it in a few months, Johnson said he doesn’t plan to forget those lessons. “I don’t think it’s a grown-up thing,” he said. “I think it’s more a smart as far as using your head in situations and being able to come into a new situation. You take all that to heart and knowing that they could’ve gotten rid of you, and they kept you. You just play the cards that are dealt you and see where it leads you.”
Posts: 43,429

08-28-2009, 07:39 AM	#21
Hoover Rufus Dawes Jr. Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $-1961821	So it took Toomer, Thomas and Vrabel to make him happy. Weird
Posts: 18,016

08-28-2009, 08:21 AM	#24
Sofa King Bump it Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: South Dakota Casino cash: $-230000 VARSITY	"Johnson, 29, admitted that last year was a reminder that his career, especially now that he’s aging and after a season in which he was phased out of the Chiefs’ offense, is fragile" sounds like pedro cerrano going through his budda stage... "ball in blue sky like lonely snowflake"
Posts: 23,458