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Chief Roundup · 02-13-2018, 05:49 PM

“When I restructured my deal, I voided my last year out,” Johnson said. “In order for me to come back with the Chiefs, we’d have to work on a deal or do something for a one-year type of deal.

“But the Chiefs, they wanted to go younger across the board — that’s what (general manager Brett) Veach was talking about. I wasn’t in their plans, and I understood that. They’ve got some cap issues, and even though I would have bended some to be a Chief, there really was no negotiation. I just wasn’t in the plans. And that happens; it is what it is.”

“I thought there’d be a chance we could negotiate something,” Johnson said. “But it is what it is. I appreciate Veach being straight up with me by saying, ‘Hey, this is where we’re going. I don’t want to lead you on. We appreciate and respect everything you’ve got going on, but right now, D.J., you’re not in our plans going forward.’”

“Letting go of a player like Derrick is particularly tough because of how much respect I have for him as a player and as a person,” Veach said. “He’s had a tremendous career here in Kansas City, and we wish him nothing but the best moving forward.”

Johnson told The Star that he expects to continue his playing career elsewhere this fall in pursuit of a Super Bowl ring.

“I at least want to play a couple more years,” he said. “I at least want get to 15 years in the league. Right now, I’m just chasing a ring, man. I am.

“It’s going to be a tough deal to leave Kansas City,” he said. “We knew it was coming at some point. But they say it usually comes sooner than later, and it’s here.”

Johnson made it clear that he’ll always consider the Chiefs his No. 1 team. When asked if he’s leaving with any hard feelings against the organization or Reid, Johnson said no.

“Not at all, man, not at all,” Johnson said. “I’ve had five head coaches, and he’s the best. I’ve won a lot with Andy Reid and I have a lot of respect for him. I think the world of Kansas City, so there’s no bridges burned. It’s a good, long relationship and everyone knew it would end at some point.

“I’m a Chief at heart. My kids are Chiefs fans, and I’m sure whatever team I’m on (next), my kids are gonna have two teams, I’ll tell you that.”

02-13-2018, 05:49 PM	#78
Chief Roundup Admitted Planet Junky Join Date: Oct 2000 Casino cash: $2051627	“When I restructured my deal, I voided my last year out,” Johnson said. “In order for me to come back with the Chiefs, we’d have to work on a deal or do something for a one-year type of deal. “But the Chiefs, they wanted to go younger across the board — that’s what (general manager Brett) Veach was talking about. I wasn’t in their plans, and I understood that. They’ve got some cap issues, and even though I would have bended some to be a Chief, there really was no negotiation. I just wasn’t in the plans. And that happens; it is what it is.” “I thought there’d be a chance we could negotiate something,” Johnson said. “But it is what it is. I appreciate Veach being straight up with me by saying, ‘Hey, this is where we’re going. I don’t want to lead you on. We appreciate and respect everything you’ve got going on, but right now, D.J., you’re not in our plans going forward.’” “Letting go of a player like Derrick is particularly tough because of how much respect I have for him as a player and as a person,” Veach said. “He’s had a tremendous career here in Kansas City, and we wish him nothing but the best moving forward.” Johnson told The Star that he expects to continue his playing career elsewhere this fall in pursuit of a Super Bowl ring. “I at least want to play a couple more years,” he said. “I at least want get to 15 years in the league. Right now, I’m just chasing a ring, man. I am. “It’s going to be a tough deal to leave Kansas City,” he said. “We knew it was coming at some point. But they say it usually comes sooner than later, and it’s here.” Johnson made it clear that he’ll always consider the Chiefs his No. 1 team. When asked if he’s leaving with any hard feelings against the organization or Reid, Johnson said no. “Not at all, man, not at all,” Johnson said. “I’ve had five head coaches, and he’s the best. I’ve won a lot with Andy Reid and I have a lot of respect for him. I think the world of Kansas City, so there’s no bridges burned. It’s a good, long relationship and everyone knew it would end at some point. “I’m a Chief at heart. My kids are Chiefs fans, and I’m sure whatever team I’m on (next), my kids are gonna have two teams, I’ll tell you that.” __________________ Fanaticism is nowhere. There is no tenderness or humanity in fanaticism.
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