Chiefs Johnson Remains Happy With Chiefs - Page 2

Hammock Parties · 06:14 PM

http://kan.scout.com/2/892592.html

Earlier this week, head coach Todd Haley praised veteran guard Brian Waters for his leadership qualities. This came months after an altercation between the two that reportedly had Waters asking for a trade out of Kansas City. Haley’s compliments laid the worry of an ongoing beef between the two to rest.
When the news broke of a reported feud between Waters and Haley, fans had mixed emotions. Some backed their new head coach, while others backed the man who’s been one of the few bright spots on a dismal team. Fans also expressed mixed feelings this offseason about embattled star running back Larry Johnson. His litany of off-the-field issues and offensive comments need not be repeated. No one has forgotten his indiscretions. Some fans wanted him gone, and many media members were sure he’d be released or traded. Others, like LJ superfan and WPI’s own C.E. Wendler, thought LJ was worth the baggage. Will he get in trouble again? Will he ever produce another 1,700-yard season? No one knew, and much to the surprise of many, Haley gave Johnson a clean slate. Now, seemingly like Waters, Johnson has changed his tune. He’s walking the line, saying the right things, acting like a real team player. A few months ago, he stopped publicly expressing his dislike for Kansas City and desire to be relocated. He reiterated those thoughts to the media after Thursday’s practice. He’s now complimentary of his teammates, starting with his quarterback. “[Matt Cassel] is the perfect guy for the job,” said Johnson. “[He’s] a guy that stands tall and [has] obviously been with a team that’s been to the Super Bowl, so he knows what it takes.” He’s also complimentary of his coach and front office leadership. “As far as what Pioli did in the offseason, he made it exciting for me to be a Chief,” said Johnson. “I never thought we would get Ashley Lelie, Amani Toomer, Zach Thomas, Mike Brown, those type of players. Ever since I been here, we wouldn’t go get those type of players that we got right now. Having those guys, including Matt Cassel, having those guys being a part of the Chiefs, made me excited to be a Chief because we actually feel with those guys we have a chance.” In the past, Johnson felt like Kansas City’s success rested on his shoulders. If he didn’t get the ball, the Chiefs didn’t win. If he was unhappy, things weren’t going to be good. Now, he’s starting to understand the team concept. He understands there will soon be a roster of 53 players, and they don’t revolve around him. “It’s not based off my happiness or my sadness to be a part of this team,” said Johnson. “It’s just the fact that we are organized and we’re doing things to make this a team a 16-0 team and 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.” Johnson has not been shy about his crumbling relationship with Kansas City. He’s said the city is tired of him and the feeling’s mutual. Now, he’s backing off those comments, saying not only is he still active in the community, but that his previous comments were directed toward a small group of individuals. “I was really talking to a handful of people, I wasn’t talking to the whole city,” he said. “I was only talking to a handful of people that I’ve actually encountered that kind of turned their back on me, so to speak, so other than that I’m still here. I didn’t put my house for sale. I didn’t move.” Johnson seems to have transformed into a leader, but there are certainly people skeptical of his new-found team pride and humility after he lost a grievance that denied him just under $4 million in previously guaranteed money. There are those who say Johnson is just playing it straight now because of his pocketbook, and that he still dislikes Kansas City and wants out, but would rather have the money and tow the company line than be outspoken. Johnson has an answer for those people, also. “Obviously, if they wanted to get rid of me, they had a chance to get rid of me, but I made it clear that regardless of what happened it wasn’t about the money,” he said. “If it was about the money I would have held out my rookie year. The only reason why I did what I did to get that contract was I felt like I really deserved it for the things that I did. If they could cut me, they could cut me right now.” “Everybody knows in football, there’s no such thing as guaranteed money. They could take it from me today. They could cut me today if they wanted to. It’s not because I’m doing it for the money. As far 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. It’s just understanding my situation. My situation is to help this team.” Is Johnson really maturing and becoming a leader and team player, or is he just putting on an act to ensure his fat paychecks keep coming? It’s hard to say. Can’t it be both? Maybe Johnson realizes Haley and Pioli have started something good in Kansas City, while also realizing he needs to play it straight in order to keep his wallet full. Follow Warpaint Illustrated and Pat Clifton live from Arrowhead on twitter.

chiefzilla1501 · 08-27-2009, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

http://kan.scout.com/2/892592.html

Earlier this week, head coach Todd Haley praised veteran guard Brian Waters for his leadership qualities. This came months after an altercation between the two that reportedly had Waters asking for a trade out of Kansas City. Haley’s compliments laid the worry of an ongoing beef between the two to rest.
When the news broke of a reported feud between Waters and Haley, fans had mixed emotions. Some backed their new head coach, while others backed the man who’s been one of the few bright spots on a dismal team. Fans also expressed mixed feelings this offseason about embattled star running back Larry Johnson. His litany of off-the-field issues and offensive comments need not be repeated. No one has forgotten his indiscretions. Some fans wanted him gone, and many media members were sure he’d be released or traded. Others, like LJ superfan and WPI’s own C.E. Wendler, thought LJ was worth the baggage. Will he get in trouble again? Will he ever produce another 1,700-yard season? No one knew, and much to the surprise of many, Haley gave Johnson a clean slate. Now, seemingly like Waters, Johnson has changed his tune. He’s walking the line, saying the right things, acting like a real team player. A few months ago, he stopped publicly expressing his dislike for Kansas City and desire to be relocated. He reiterated those thoughts to the media after Thursday’s practice. He’s now complimentary of his teammates, starting with his quarterback. “[Matt Cassel] is the perfect guy for the job,” said Johnson. “[He’s] a guy that stands tall and [has] obviously been with a team that’s been to the Super Bowl, so he knows what it takes.” He’s also complimentary of his coach and front office leadership. “As far as what Pioli did in the offseason, he made it exciting for me to be a Chief,” said Johnson. “I never thought we would get Ashley Lelie, Amani Toomer, Zach Thomas, Mike Brown, those type of players. Ever since I been here, we wouldn’t go get those type of players that we got right now. Having those guys, including Matt Cassel, having those guys being a part of the Chiefs, made me excited to be a Chief because we actually feel with those guys we have a chance.” In the past, Johnson felt like Kansas City’s success rested on his shoulders. If he didn’t get the ball, the Chiefs didn’t win. If he was unhappy, things weren’t going to be good. Now, he’s starting to understand the team concept. He understands there will soon be a roster of 53 players, and they don’t revolve around him. “It’s not based off my happiness or my sadness to be a part of this team,” said Johnson. “It’s just the fact that we are organized and we’re doing things to make this a team a 16-0 team and 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.” Johnson has not been shy about his crumbling relationship with Kansas City. He’s said the city is tired of him and the feeling’s mutual. Now, he’s backing off those comments, saying not only is he still active in the community, but that his previous comments were directed toward a small group of individuals. “I was really talking to a handful of people, I wasn’t talking to the whole city,” he said. “I was only talking to a handful of people that I’ve actually encountered that kind of turned their back on me, so to speak, so other than that I’m still here. I didn’t put my house for sale. I didn’t move.” Johnson seems to have transformed into a leader, but there are certainly people skeptical of his new-found team pride and humility after he lost a grievance that denied him just under $4 million in previously guaranteed money. There are those who say Johnson is just playing it straight now because of his pocketbook, and that he still dislikes Kansas City and wants out, but would rather have the money and tow the company line than be outspoken. Johnson has an answer for those people, also. “Obviously, if they wanted to get rid of me, they had a chance to get rid of me, but I made it clear that regardless of what happened it wasn’t about the money,” he said. “If it was about the money I would have held out my rookie year. The only reason why I did what I did to get that contract was I felt like I really deserved it for the things that I did. If they could cut me, they could cut me right now.” “Everybody knows in football, there’s no such thing as guaranteed money. They could take it from me today. They could cut me today if they wanted to. It’s not because I’m doing it for the money. As far 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. It’s just understanding my situation. My situation is to help this team.” Is Johnson really maturing and becoming a leader and team player, or is he just putting on an act to ensure his fat paychecks keep coming? It’s hard to say. Can’t it be both? Maybe Johnson realizes Haley and Pioli have started something good in Kansas City, while also realizing he needs to play it straight in order to keep his wallet full.

Glad he's happy.

I give it about a week before he's not.

Hammock Parties · 08-27-2009, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

I don't think he'll get anywhere near 4 yards per carry.

Besides the fact that he looks "done", this offensive line can't block for shit in the run game.

C'mon, Dane. He was ripping off 60-yard runs last year with McIntosh and Jones and shitty quarterbacks.

I think the line will be improved from a run-blocking standpoint, no question. I have a very hard time believing LJ is done physically.

**Skip Towne** · 08-27-2009, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

Glad he's happy.

I give it about a week before he's not.

Except now nobody cares

Psyko Tek · 08-27-2009, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoChiefs

No, there is some fresh material.

no it's new he mentioned ce wendler
nobody else would do that

Mecca · 08-27-2009, 06:24 PM

How exciting, I'd be happier if he wasn't on the team...nothing is better than having roughly the 42nd best back in the league as your starter with a big contract.

Halfcan · 08-27-2009, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Larry's done.

Another sub-1,000 yard rushing season lies ahead.

yep behind our line-even less

wild1 · 08-27-2009, 06:52 PM

He doesn't seem happy when things aren't going well, not that anyone would. Hopefully he has matured. The odds are long this year, with the offensive line the way it is.

Ebolapox · 08-27-2009, 06:59 PM

kc superfan c.e. wendler?

that's just ****ing pathetic and sad, clay. you sound like al gore on south park... MANBEARPIG IS REAL!

OctoberFart · 10-16-2009, 09:58 AM

Of course he is happy. He is making 7 million a year when he isn't worth the league minimum. Diaper boy cashed his two 1000 yd years in for a big contract and has remained happy since. 3 yds and a cloud of dust.

TheGuardian · 10-16-2009, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AutumnWind

Of course he is happy. He is making 7 million a year when he isn't worth the league minimum. Diaper boy cashed his two 1000 yd years in for a big contract and has remained happy since. 3 yds and a cloud of dust.

What'd the Raiders pay those busts Russell and McFadden again?

DBOSHO · 10-16-2009, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AutumnWind

Of course he is happy. He is making 7 million a year when he isn't worth the league minimum. Diaper boy cashed his two 1000 yd years in for a big contract and has remained happy since. 3 yds and a cloud of dust.

You REALLY have no right to talk shit on anyone on this team

especially when a PLAYER called your WHOLE TEAM out for having no heart.

DBOSHO · 10-16-2009, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheGuardian

What'd the Raiders pay those busts Russell and McFadden again?

Dont forgwt DHB with his 2 catches

**MahiMike** · 10-16-2009, 10:16 AM

"LJ, be a team player and go take your seat on the bench."

Sanka · 10-16-2009, 10:16 AM

You know whats funny? It would take him 416 carries to be near 1000 yards for the season at his amazing 2.4 yards a carry.

MichaelH · 10-16-2009, 10:28 AM

Despite his off the field antics and diminshed production so far, I still like LJ. Maybe it's because we're both from Penn State.

I think his attitude the last few years went sour because of Hermie and Carl. Let's blame them for this too.

And I can't say I blame him. I actually started hating this team.

08-27-2009, 06:24 PM	#20
Mecca Hockey Town Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Kansas City, Missouri Casino cash: $-722950	How exciting, I'd be happier if he wasn't on the team...nothing is better than having roughly the 42nd best back in the league as your starter with a big contract.
Posts: 115,380

08-27-2009, 06:52 PM	#22
wild1 MVP Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: 31040 Casino cash: $10004900	He doesn't seem happy when things aren't going well, not that anyone would. Hopefully he has matured. The odds are long this year, with the offensive line the way it is.
Posts: 6,935

08-27-2009, 06:59 PM	#23
Ebolapox remember, remember Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: como Casino cash: $-1790097	kc superfan c.e. wendler? that's just ****ing pathetic and sad, clay. you sound like al gore on south park... MANBEARPIG IS REAL!
Posts: 26,523

10-16-2009, 09:58 AM	#24
OctoberFart Banned Join Date: Nov 2006 Casino cash: $10006091	Of course he is happy. He is making 7 million a year when he isn't worth the league minimum. Diaper boy cashed his two 1000 yd years in for a big contract and has remained happy since. 3 yds and a cloud of dust.
Posts: 2,583

10-16-2009, 10:16 AM	#28
MahiMike He's Mahomie! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Jax, FL Casino cash: $10023443	"LJ, be a team player and go take your seat on the bench." __________________ 99.9%
Posts: 17,387

10-16-2009, 10:16 AM	#29
Sanka Veteran Join Date: May 2007 Casino cash: $-1563023	You know whats funny? It would take him 416 carries to be near 1000 yards for the season at his amazing 2.4 yards a carry.
Posts: 1,210

10-16-2009, 10:28 AM	#30
MichaelH Go Chiefs! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Gastonia, North Carolina Casino cash: $9192006	Despite his off the field antics and diminshed production so far, I still like LJ. Maybe it's because we're both from Penn State. I think his attitude the last few years went sour because of Hermie and Carl. Let's blame them for this too. And I can't say I blame him. I actually started hating this team.
Posts: 3,187