If you have not heard, on Monday Larry Johnson was released from the Kansas City Chiefs. At 30, and given his current propensity to use anti-gay slurs, it’s a good bet that Larry is done in the NFL. Will another team pick him up? Probably, but really it would be just to finish out the season (if that). For all intents and purposes he is done.
Some might even argue that we never got to see his true potential. After being drafted by the Cheifs in the 2003 draft, he had to split time with a then rejuvenated Priest Holmes. It wasn’t until 2005 and an injury to Holmes that he even had a chance to start. When he was in his prime he was a heck of a good running back. Unfortunately his prime only lasted 2 seasons 2005 and 2006 where he racked up a total of 3539 yards and 37 touchdowns on 752 carries. Following the 2006 season he was sidelined with a myriad of injuries. Which certainly put a damper on his production and the potency of the Chief’s offense.
So where will Larry show up next? It’s kind of like Michael Vick, who can take on the headache and diva-like attitude of Johnson? A smart move would be to the Patriots, but at 30 I just don’t see him making a huge impact to which ever team he signs for. In truth he may be able to hang around the league for 2 – 3 more years, but I just don’t see the kind of production which made him famous.
Other teams that might be interested in him would be teams with issues at running back: Seahawks, Bills, Patriots, Bucs, Raiders, and possibly the Texans. The big question will be . . . how long until he implodes after he signs yet another lucrative contract?
A quick glance at his autographed cards in eBay says one thing. People are not collecting Larry Johnson cards anymore. Many of his autographs can be had for under $5, including the one pictured below <link>. Even this beautiful on-card autograph and nice patch card couldn’t fetch $15 even with its very low 11/15 serial number. If you want a bargain right now, this is the time to pick up his cards. Of course then again if you are like lots of people out there, just sick of his antics just stay away. Either way I think this might be the last hurrah for a player who had so much potential that he just seemed unwilling to unlock.
The Chiefs ran him into the ground, and it’s too bad.
When I read Larry Johnson’s propensity to use anti-gay slurs, I really laughed.
“Slurs” carries the negative connotation itself; so you’d say propensity to use “gay slurs”. By saying “anti-gay slurs,” Larry Johnson comes across as a man that hates straight people:
“NO, Todd Haley! YOU are the PUSSY EATING LOVE MACHINE!”
Very funny, a negative negative is a possitive.
I beg to differ Chemgod. Johnson is just a headcase. When he has his head on straight you get a hard worker who is an explosive running back. We saw this Johnson in 2002 (his final year at Penn State,) 2005, and 2006. Unfortunately, he got paid after 2006 and hasn’t been motivated since. Hopefully, this time he will get it.
You note that he is 30, but he isn’t you typical 30 yr old running back. He’s only had 1375 attempts as a pro and 417 in college. Compare that to another 30 yr old in LaDainian Tomlinson who has 2734 career attempts as a pro and 907 attempts in college. LJ could still have 3-5 more good years left if he gets his head on straight.
Good riddance to Loser Johnson!
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_MIoxytYV2WI/Svj0ahW9-pI/AAAAAAAAAH8/KM2yJMN7aTY/s1600-h/2005LJohnson0001.jpg
I just remember the season, maybe 06 or 07 when LJ was a fantasy all star. He actually signed two cards through the mail for me recently
Bye Bye fag hag Johnson.
Sorry, but that is a sticker auto.