"Former Chiefs running back Larry Johnson, the newest member of the Cincinnati Bengals, knows who's coming to town two days after Christmas.

And it's not Santa Claus. Asked at an introductory news conference Tuesday about the Chiefs' visit to Cincinnati on Dec. 27, Johnson said: "I'd be lying if I said I ain't looking at that game (as one) I want to definitely play in … if that happens, it would be the best Christmas gift I could get."

Johnson, released by the Chiefs last week in the aftermath of a suspension for several off-field issues, signed a one-year contract with the AFC North-leading Bengals as insurance for running back Cedric Benson, who suffered a hip injury in last Sunday's victory over Pittsburgh.

Johnson, clad in a dark Bengals shirt featuring a team logo, told Cincinnati reporters that this "is an opportunity to right some wrongs in my past and have an opportunity to play for a good coach, a good team and a lot of good players that is on this team. For me, it feels like a great fit."

Johnson, who turns 30 on Thursday, wants to change the perception people have of him. With the Bengals, 7-2, he's hopeful the focus will be on football and not on himself. He said his gay slurs two weeks ago were not blown out of proportion.

"It was offensive to gay advocates around the world," he said. "…Obviously you're hurting everybody's feelings when you do that.

"It was a lesson learned."

But don't expect too many changes by Johnson.

"I've got to be me," he said. "I'm not going to be a bad person, but I'm going to be me and enjoy this environment."

Johnson wants to dispel his reputation as being a "cancer in the locker room.""