LJ SAYS CHIEFS OFFSEASON RE-SHAPED LOCKER ROOM
August 27th – 1:07 PM
The man in the red socks has stood out this preseason. Chiefs RB Larry Johnson and his signature red practice socks have gone airborne over defenders at the goal line, finished runs 40-plus yards after the whistle and blocked head-to-head against some of the Chiefs quickest and strongest backers. We’re talking about practice, and Johnson has been leaving it all on the field this preseason.
Johnson said at the beginning of training camp that he had bought into the ways of Kansas City’s new leadership, but actions speak louder than words. Johnson’s actions have stood out this camp and, for Johnson, new Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli’s actions this preseason are a big part of that.
“He’s definitely shed a different light,” Johnson said of Pioli. “We actually went out and got guys who have actually played in the league and who are successful in this league and want to play. I take my hat off to Todd Haley and Scott Pioli for not just settling for 2-14 with a group a guys that were okay or comfortable being 2-14. They went out and got guys that want to be 16-0.“
For Johnson, it’s all about finding winners.
“As far as what Pioli did in the offseason, he made it exciting to be a Chief,” Johnson said. “I never thought we’d get WRs Ashley Lelie and Amani Toomer or LB Zach Thomas. Those type of players, ever since I’ve been here, we wouldn’t go and get those type of players. Having those guys, including QB Matt Cassel, with the Chiefs made me excited to be a Chief.
“You put veteran guys who know how to win know what it takes to go to the Super Bowl and to the playoffs,” Johnson continued. “The more and more of those guys that you put around, regardless of age, they know what it takes. Having those guys in this locker room helps everyone out.“
Johnson is an integral part of the Chiefs success going forward, but he knows that he’s just one piece of the puzzle. A lot of public inquiry was made about Johnson’s happiness with the Chiefs this offseason, but Johnson said that type of thing shouldn’t be the focus of this football team.
“It’s not based off my happiness or my sadness to be part of this team,” Johnson said. “It’s just the fact that we are organized to build this team to go to the playoffs. So this team’s rise and falls don’t stand on if I’m happy or if I’m mad here. Obviously we all have to do a job and my job is to do the best that I can on the field to make this team a better football team. Obviously guys that are taken in or taken out will be a part of that transition.”