Chris Johnson News & Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

January 13

Tennessean

columnist David Climer

"It is an $8 million gamble. By mid-March, the Titans must decide whether to keep or cut Chris Johnson. If he's on the team's roster on the fifth day of the league year, Johnson gets his base salary of $8 million. If the Titans cut ties with him, Bud Adams doesn't have to write that check. Since it's Bud's money and not mine, I say pay the man. Look, you've already given him the keys to the vault so what's another $8 million among friends? Look, we're not talking about balancing the federal budget here. We're talking about compensating a player around which much of your offense is built. Is he worth it? Based on what happened this season, no. But this is where it gets tricky. Given the"

Mike Munchak defends Chris Johnson's drop in yards

January 3

Tennessean

"Titans Coach Mike Munchak acknowledged Monday that running back Chris Johnson might have lost a step through wear and tear over his four years, but Munchak said that was not the reason for the team's woeful rushing performance this season. The Titans finished second-to-last in the NFL in rushing this season, averaging just 89.9 rushing yards per contest. Johnson, who'd averaged close to 1,700 rushing yards the past two years, ran for only 1,047 yards this year. "You're always trying to have an answer as to why Chris Johnson didn't have 1,500 yards," Munchak said. "There's not one answer. There's a lot of answers."

Titans expect Chris Johnson to play Saturday

December 23

Tennessean

"Titans running back Chris Johnson is expected to play against the Jaguars on Saturday despite limited practice time because of a sprained ankle. Johnson, who was injured in the fourth quarter of Sunday's loss at Indianapolis, was limited in Thursday's practice. Coach Mike Munchak said that barring a setback, Johnson should be "fine" to play. "I think he was being careful, no doubt," Munchak said. "But he did a lot more than he did (Wednesday) and looked pretty decent in what he did. We would assume he is ready to play on Saturday." Rookie running back Jamie Harper, now the backup because Javon Ringer (hand) is on injured reserve, got additional work this week. Harper has 19 yards on nine"

Matt Hasselbeck practices; Chris Johnson rests

December 21

Tennessean

"It didn't take Titans quarterback Matt Hasselbeck long to put to rest questions about his injury status for Saturday's game against the Jaguars. Hasselbeck (left calf) participated fully in practice on Tuesday. He missed some practice time last week after getting hurt against the Saints on Dec. 11 but played most of the game against the Colts. "It is good he was able to play 50 to 60 snaps in the game and be able to come out and practice," Coach Mike Munchak said. "We weren't real concerned about (the injury) after the game because during the game he held up pretty good. But it's so far, so good this week.""

Tennessee Titans expect Chris Johnson to play vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

December 20

Tennessean

"The Colts limited Titans running back Chris Johnson to 55 yards on 15 carries, but his best run of the game — a 35-yarder in the fourth quarter — resulted in a sprained ankle. Tests on the ankle were negative, Coach Mike Munchak said Monday, but Johnson is sore and could miss some practice time heading into Saturday's game against the Jaguars. "He'll be questionable this week, but we saw him (Monday) and we don't think there's any reason he'll be out for the game," Munchak said. "But he is definitely sore, so we'll see how he is this week.""

Johnson's sprained ankle not serious, Munchak says

December 19

Tennessean

"Titans running back Chris Johnson had another difficult game on Sunday against the Colts. His best run, a 35-yarder in the fourth quarter, came with a price — he suffered a sprained ankle. Coach Mike Munchak said tests on the ankle were negative, but Johnson is sore and could miss some practice time heading into Saturday's game against the Jaguars. "He'll be questionable this week, but we saw him (Monday) and we don't think there's any reason he'll be out for the game," Munchak said. "But he is definitely sore, so we'll see how he is this week.""

Titans' Chris Johnson shows sick moves in victory

December 5

Tennessean

"Titans running back Chris Johnson wasn't looking for sympathy after Sunday's game, and he certainly wouldn't get any from the Bills. But after running for 153 yards and two touchdowns on a weak stomach, a sandwich didn't sound so bad. Johnson revealed he'd been sick all week, hadn't had a full meal since last Sunday and had lost 10 pounds. "But God helped me get through it," he said. "He gave me strength, and the offensive line and my fullback, Ahmard (Hall), they helped me through it, too, and did a great job."

Johnson settles in

December 2

Buffalo News

"For the first half of the season, observers from front office executives to fantasy owners were puzzled over one question: What's going on with Chris Johnson? It was, and in some ways still is, one of the most bizarre stories of this season. How does a young running back go from averaging nearly five yards a carry over the previous two seasons to 2.9 over a span of eight games? Eventually, someone was going to feel Johnson's wrath. Carolina was the first victim, and last week it was Tampa Bay. So the Bills (5-6), who host the Titans at 1 p.m. Sunday at Ralph Wilson Stadium, should be apprehensive because Johnson appears to be emerging from his decline. "Any kind of crease he can get, he's"

Chris Johnson says focus is playoffs, not yards

December 1

Tennessean

"It wasn't long ago when Titans running back Chris Johnson was aiming for 2,000-yard seasons. After 11 games this season, however, that goal is way out of reach. He has 699 yards, and is on pace for 1,016. While it would be nice to reach 1,000 — considering his slow start — Johnson said it's not his primary focus. "It is an important number, but it is really more important for me to get to the playoffs and things like that," he said Wednesday. "We haven't been to the playoffs in a few years so that is what we are focusing on."

Tennessee Titans' Chris Johnson has best game of season

November 28

Tennessean

"A relieved Mike Munchak stepped to the podium, tapped his fingers a couple of times and smiled as he addressed the media. "Any running-game questions?" It's a subject the Titans coach had grown more than tired of discussing, with his team's inexplicable residence at the bottom of the NFL statistics in rushing. But at least for one game — played on a soggy LP Field against the league's second-worst overall defense — everything looked like yesteryear for Chris Johnson and Tennessee's rushing attack. Held to less than 60 yards for six of his first 10 games, Johnson erupted for 190 yards on 23 carries as the Titans beat the Buccaneers 23-17 on Sunday. It was Johnson's best game of the season,"

Buccaneers hope to keep Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson in check

November 26

St. Petersburg Times

"The Bucs defense is focused on stopping Titans RB Chris Johnson, who can't seem to get going. Johnson, who signed a six-year, $56 million contract after holding out of training camp, rushed for 130 yards in a win over Carolina two weeks ago and appeared on the verge of a breakout. But in a loss to the Falcons last week, Johnson rushed for only 13 yards on 12 carries. "I've played against a lot of fast guys, but he has that elite speed and is extremely fast," Bucs LB Mason Foster said of Johnson, a Pro Bowl selection in each of his first three seasons. "That separates him from a lot of running backs in the league." The Bucs rank 26th in the league in rushing defense, allowing 133.5 yards"

Carolina back shares Chris Johnson's frustration

November 10

Tennessean

"DeAngelo Williams and Chris Johnson got paid. Now the two running backs are dealing with higher expectations than ever in their respective cities. Williams signed a $43 million extension ($21 million guaranteed) with the Panthers, and so far this season he has 363 rushing yards and a touchdown. Johnson received a $53.5 million extension ($30 million guaranteed) from the Titans, but has only 366 yards and a touchdown. The two friends will be on the same field Sunday when Tennessee (4-4) visits Carolina (2-6). "With more money comes more responsibility," Williams, a former Memphis star, said Wednesday. "(Fans) … want you to come out and they want you to basically be on the field by yourself"

Panthers won't write off struggling Titan Johnson

November 10

Charlotte Observer

"Carolina Panthers' players and coaches pointed to Chris Johnson's training-camp holdout to explain the sharp drop-off in productivity for the Tennessee running back. And the Panthers hope the struggling Johnson will hold off at least another week before returning to his Pro Bowl form. "He missed a lot of training camp, so he's trying to get his legs up underneath him," cornerback Captain Munnerlyn said Wednesday. "It's the middle of the year now, so I'm expecting him to be ready to roll. We don't want him to get rolling on us. We don't want to be the team that he just gets it started on.""

As Panthers' Smith climbs, Titans' Johnson keeps falling

November 9

Charlotte Observer

columnist Scott Fowler

"Some interesting Panthers numbers as the team prepares to play 4-4 Tennessee Sunday in the final game of Carolina's three-game homestand: 1: Touchdown scored by Tennessee running back Chris Johnson, who has had a terrible year by his standards after getting a huge contract (3.0 rushing average, 366 yards - only 47 rushing yards more than Cam Newton). 3: NFL teams with fewer wins than the 2-6 Panthers (0-9 Indianapolis, 1-7 St. Louis and 1-7 Miami)"

Chris Johnson starts game quickly, then fades

November 7

Tennessean

"For a half on Sunday, Chris Johnson looked like, well, Chris Johnson. The Titans running back broke into the open field on several runs. He had a 20-yard run on his second carry, and an 18-yard burst a few carries later. He caught a short pass and turned in into a 22-yard gain. "We got him into the secondary. We got him on the second level,'' Coach Mike Munchak said. "I think that is a big thing. We got him in space. And I think he does a good job in space with him and a defender and a lot of room." The big problem for Johnson and the Titans, however, is it didn't carry over into the second half. Johnson finished with 64 yards on 14 carries (4.6 average). He had five carries for 9 yards in"

Teams wonder whether Chris Johnson will be a free agent

November 6

Pro Football Talk

"As teams prepare their list of potential free agents in 2012, there's a fairly big name that some currently are putting in the "maybe" category. Per a league source, several teams believe that the Titans could release running back Chris Johnson before the fifth day of the 2012 league year, at which time his base salary of $8 million becomes fully guaranteed."

Marshall Faulk says Titans' Chris Johnson hasn't hit a wall

November 5

Tennessean

"Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk doesn't buy the talk the Titans' Chris Johnson has hit a wall in his fourth NFL season. The suggestion is "unheard of," he said. "I know what 'hit a wall' looks like. I know what it feels like. I hit that wall," said Faulk, who ran for 12,279 yards in 13 seasons. "And when I hit that wall you could've lined me up next to all the other running backs in the NFL in a footrace and I don't know if I would have beaten any of them. "If you line Chris up with just about any back in the league, I still think he would win that footrace." Faulk, who thought Johnson deserved the $53.5 million contract extension he received in September, presented a different"

CJ hoping run game has hit rock bottom

November 3

Tennessean

"The way Chris Johnson sees it, things can only get better. That's what he's hoping, anyway, following another sub-par performance. He rushed 14 times for just 34 yards against the Colts, and for the season has carried 107 times for 328 yards (2.8 average). The Titans are last in the league in rushing. So even if the Bengals bring the league's second-best run defense to town, Johnson said it represents "another opportunity" to start producing. "This is a situation where it can't get no worse, really, so it can't do nothin' but go up," Johnson said on Wednesday. "I'm always eager to get back on the field and practice after a bad game and try to make it better.""

Titans still expect great things from Chris Johnson

November 1

Tennessean

"Chris Johnson hasn't lost his grip as the starting running back, Titans Coach Mike Munchak said on Monday. Even though Johnson and backup Javon Ringer had the same number of carries against the Colts, the coach said that doesn't mean it will happen again this Sunday when the Titans (4-3) play the Bengals (5-2) at LP Field. "It's no different than it was last week. C.J. is the starter, like he has been. He will start the game, and Javon will roll in there, depending on how the things go," Munchak said. "Nothing has changed. We don't feel any different about Chris Johnson. We still believe in him." Through seven games, Johnson has 302 yards on 107 carries for a 2.8 average per carry."

Titans: It's still Chris Johnson's backfield

October 31

Tennessean

"The Titans got back in the win column for the first time in almost a month, but the 27-10 victory over the Colts did little to bolster confidence in a shaky running game. The Titans would seem to have a full-blown running back controversy — or a brand-new rotation, depending on how you look at it — on their hands after Javon Ringer saw the most extensive action of his three-year career. Chris Johnson and Ringer finished with 14 carries apiece, but Ringer was more effective both on the ground and through the air. He totaled 60 rushing yards (4.3 average) to Johnson's 34 (2.4), and made five catches for 42 yards. Johnson had three catches for 17 yards."

NFL analyst claims Tennessee Titans' Chris Johnson slowing

October 28

Tennessean

"What's the problem? That's the question fans have been asking about Chris Johnson and Tennessee's woeful running attack for the better part of two months now, desperately trying to figure out why the Titans are ranked dead last in a category they used to own. Many NFL observers feel part of the blame should be put on Johnson and part of the blame on the offensive line, but NFL Network's Brian Baldinger sees things in a different light. "I think it's all on C.J.," said Baldinger, who studied film of each of Johnson's 93 carries this season in preparation for this week's edition of Playbook AFC on NFL Network. "He doesn't make the cuts, the plays he used to make where he'd make a cut and"

Colts want to keep Johnson frustrated

October 28

Indianapolis Star

"There are puzzled looks and unanswered questions in the Tennessee Titans' offensive meetings. What's up with running back Chris Johnson? "We're all scratching our heads about it a little bit," quarterback Matt Hasselbeck said. From his 2008 rookie season through last season, Johnson rushed for an NFL-best 4,598 yards. During the Titans' 3-3 start, his 268 yards rank 32nd in the league. He is averaging 2.9 yards per attempt. For perspective, consider Johnson has 9 more yards than Colts rookie Delone Carter, 11 more than Joseph Addai."

Johnson shoulders blame for Titans' rush struggles

October 27

Tennessean

"Chris Johnson said he wasn't pointing fingers last Sunday, when he seemed to indicate that the offensive line wasn't opening enough holes for him. The three-time Pro Bowl running back said he's also to blame for the poor state of the Titans' running game, which is ranked last in the NFL at 64.3 yards per game. "I take a lot of accountability on myself," Johnson said on Wednesday. "Anytime I go out, no matter what the outcome is or anything like that, no matter what the stats look like or anything, I always (am) hard on myself." Johnson has 268 yards, is averaging 2.9 yards per carry and has rushed for more than 55 yards in a game just once this season."

Titans' Chris Johnson evokes memories of Vince Young

October 26

Tennessean

columnist David Climer

"Different season. Different coach. Different player. But a familiar problem. Six games in, Chris Johnson is becoming Mike Munchak's Vince Young. The whole What's up with CJ? is this season's unfolding mini-drama, so much so that it risks becoming a distraction in the locker room and on the field. Try as he might, Munchak can't get away from it. This is strangely similar to Jeff Fisher's constant balancing act with Young in the previous five years. Back then, there was an unmistakable air of unease between coach and quarterback. Fisher denied it for the longest time. Young did, too, at least until he was released by the Titans."

Tennessee Titans won't bench Chris Johnson to jump-start run game

October 25

Tennessean

"The Titans need to change the ugly results in their running game, but Coach Mike Munchak doesn't plan on changing his lineup, at least not now. The Titans will focus on fixing the problems without swapping out linemen or benching Chris Johnson, the coach said on Monday. Johnson was held to 18 yards on 10 carries during Sunday's 41-7 loss to the Texans. The Titans (3-3) are averaging an NFL-worst 64.3 rushing yards per game, and Johnson is averaging 2.9 per carry. "We are not running the ball the way you'd like," Munchak said, "but when you change the offensive line, it can't be a one-week thought. You may mess up more things. … In the passing game, those five guys are doing a really good"

CJ's hamstring tightened up

October 10

Tennessean

"Chris Johnson got off to a good start against the Steelers — the fourth-year pro gained 21 yards the first time he touched the ball — but he limped to the finish. Johnson said his hamstring felt tight in the fourth quarter, so he stayed on the sideline. The injury does not appear to be significant, however. "I was set to go back in," he said, "but they didn't want to injure it more knowing that the game was pretty much out of hand.""

Tennessee Titans' Chris Johnson shows 'glimpses of good'

October 3

Tennessean

"No one was willing to say Titans running back Chris Johnson is back on track after his first 100-yard game of the season. "It's a start," Coach Mike Munchak said. "I think we are heading in the right direction there, which was good. We saw some glimpses of good things." Johnson ran for 101 yards on 23 carries against the Browns, with his longest run going for 25 yards. His 4.4 yards per carry more than doubled his average (2.1) from the first three games. After a 35-day holdout that led to a $53.5 million contract extension, Johnson gained only 98 yards in the first three games. "It meant a lot to finally get some open space and get used to being out there,'' the fourth-year pro said after"

Chris Johnson must start repayment plan to Tennessee Titans now

October 2

Tennessean

columnist David Climer

"When he ran for just 24 yards in the season-opener at Jacksonville, you blamed it on a sluggish start and the fact that the Titans were playing catch-up all day. A 53-yard rushing day against Baltimore's blunt-force defense was more or less expected. But when Chris Johnson managed only 21 yards on 13 carries last week against Denver, everybody ran out of excuses. And that includes Johnson. "Maybe there are times I hesitated a little bit and things like that," he said. "It's a different combination of things." The convenient explanation is that Johnson is weighed down by his wallet. With that $53.5 million contract extension in hand, is he as driven as before?"

Tennessee Titans' Chris Johnson not 'on same page' with offensive line

September 29

Tennessean

"The Tennessee Titans are ranked last in the NFL in rushing, and running back Chris Johnson accepted part of the blame Wednesday. "It's a lot of different combination of things. Maybe one time I hesitate, maybe one time somebody missed a block," Johnson said. "We've just got to get on the same page. I've been running behind this line for three years, so I have confidence in them and I'm sure they have confidence in me. We just have to get on the same page and keep working." The league's leading rusher over the past three seasons, Johnson has 98 yards on 46 attempts through three games this season after a 35-day holdout. "I feel like I'm pretty much in football-conditioned shape right now,""

Sore ribs sideline Chris Johnson from Tennessee Titans practice

September 22

Tennessean

"Chris Johnson probably needs as many reps as he can take these days to get on the same page with his linemen. The Titans running back did not practice Wednesday, however, because of sore ribs. Johnson said he would practice Thursday and expects to play Sunday against the Broncos. "I am just a little sore," he said. "I got a lot of mental reps. I'll be OK. … I am anxious to get back on the field and play games." After missing training camp and all four preseason games because of a contract holdout, Johnson is averaging just 2.3 yards per carry through two games."

Tennessee Titans fans boo Chris Johnson's lack of production

September 19

Tennessean

"Chris Johnson heard nothing but cheers at LP Field during his first three NFL seasons. He earned them, running for more yards than any other back in the league during that stretch. On Sunday, however, Johnson heard boos for the first time. He had his second straight tough outing since signing a four-year, $53.5 million contract extension. "It didn't really bother me," said Johnson, who ran for 53 yards on 24 carries. "Just the whole situation going through the offseason, there's things you've got to accept and you just got to play through."

Chris Johnson's slow start for Tennessee Titans won't last

September 17

Tennessean

"Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk has a message for Tennessee Titans fans and fantasy football owners: Be patient with Chris Johnson. "I am going to give him probably two to three more games. He's going to need a few weeks of practice where he can get in there in pads, and get comfortable," Faulk said. "And once you can get him up to speed in practice, it only takes about two games before we see the explosiveness, before we see that home-run hitter that he is, back on the field." Coming off a 35-day contract holdout, Johnson had nine carries and 24 yards against the Jaguars. He should get 20-25 touches on Sunday against the Ravens, Coach Mike Munchak said. The Titans are being smart"

Practice can cure Chris Johnson's ills

September 14

Tennessean

columnist David Climer

"OK, I get it. All you accountants — some certified, others certifiable — can stop sending me your breakdowns on exactly how much Chris Johnson got paid for every carry ($64,236.11) and every yard ($24,088.54) in Week 1. Look, anybody who expected Johnson to rip off a couple of 60-yard touchdown runs against Jacksonville had overdosed on Titans Kool-Aid. First, the Jaguars defense was determined to stop the run. Up front, they beat the Titans to the punch. Second, Johnson's lengthy holdout and lack of work in practice made him just another running back against the Jags, not one of the top two or three players in the league at his position. He was as rusty as the Tin Man. (Those of certain"

Chris Johnson to get more carries for Titans

September 13

Tennessean

"Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson failed to earn his money against the Jaguars, carrying nine times and managing 24 yards in a 16-14 loss. Coach Mike Munchak said the fourth-year pro, who missed all of the preseason because of a holdout that landed him a $53.5 million contract extension, would get more carries against the Ravens on Sunday at LP Field. "There is no reason he shouldn't be back to where he needs to be," Munchak said. "There is no reason to believe he shouldn't be able to help us this week." Munchak said he envisioned 18-20 carries and about 25 touches overall for Johnson, who averaged 19.8 carries per game last season. After reviewing film of the Jacksonville game,"

Tennessee Titans' Chris Johnson runs for just 24 yards

September 12

Tennessean

"Chris Johnson was the biggest story of the Tennessee Titans' preseason. When he finally ended a 35-day holdout, one of the game's most electrifying talents had agreed to become — at the time — the highest-paid running back in the game. But Johnson's appearance on the field Sunday hardly matched the drama his absence created over the past several weeks. He sputtered and stalled in limited action, winding up with just nine carries for 24 yards — the third-fewest yards of his career. "I didn't really have much opportunity to run the ball," Johnson said after the 16-14 loss to the Jaguars. "At the end of the day, my opportunities will be better. I just feel that we need work as an offensive"

Titans make sure workouts pay for Chris Johnson

September 8

Tennessean

"As part of Titans running back Chris Johnson's contract extension, he committed to spending more time at Baptist Sports Park. His deal, which now runs through 2016, reduces by $250,000 in any year he doesn't take part in 30 of the team's 36 scheduled offseason workouts. After spending the past two offseasons with a trainer in Florida, Johnson said he plans to be with his teammates in Nashville next summer. The Titans, of course, are more worried about the present, and Sunday's season opener against the Jaguars. Their best player has had only a handful of practices since ending his 35-day holdout. "When I go out there and start playing I'll know how much I can go and I'll know when I have"

Tennessee Titans hope Chris Johnson, Quinn Johnson develop chemistry

September 7

Tennessean

"Johnson & Johnson. Based strictly on their last names, the Titans would seem to have a perfect pairing with running back Chris Johnson and fullback Quinn Johnson. Yet the circumstances that united them more closely resemble a blind date than a dream date. The Titans can only hope the two backs have some chemistry when the regular season begins on Sunday in Jacksonville. "There will be an adjustment, that's for sure," said Heath Evans, an NFL fullback for 10 seasons before retiring in August. "Chris Johnson, all he's known is Ahmard Hall, so it's going to take some getting use to a new guy. "But the good thing about Quinn is this guy can pave some roads. He's going to get guys out of the"

Peterson: 'Right now, I'm just happy for Chad'

September 6

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"One long-term contract down, one to go. Right, Adrian Peterson? (Laughter.) "Right now, I'm just happy for Chad [Greenway]," said Peterson, referring to the Vikings and Greenway agreeing to a five-year, $41 million deal that includes $20 million guaranteed. "He's a great player. He pushes me, man, he makes me better. So to know that he's here is definitely great for this organization." The Vikings made Greenway's contract their first priority in part because they faced a Sept. 20 league- imposed deadline for ending negotiations with franchise players. But there's an even bigger payday coming for Peterson, who is set to make $10.72 million entering the last year of his contract. The"

Titans' Chris Johnson says he's all about plays, not pay

September 6

Tennessean

"Chris Johnson has a new $53.5 million contract extension, but he still hasn't figured out his first big purchase. "I have really only focused on football," the Tennessee Titans running back said Monday, "and trying to get back in the playbook and win some games." Johnson now has a couple of practices under his belt as well, and he's confident that offensive changes under new Titans coordinator Chris Palmer aren't going to slow him down going into the season opener Sunday at Jacksonville. "I took the playbook home Friday, and I pretty much know the whole thing,'' Johnson said. "The offense really is not too different. There are a couple of different wrinkles in it, but I pretty much know"

Chris Johnson now plays role of Tennessee Titans cheerleader

September 5

Tennessean

columnist David Climer

"It was a loaded question, the kind Chris Johnson has fumbled too often in the past. What are his goals for the upcoming season? Uh-oh. Here we go again. What's it going to be - 2,000, 2,500 or even 3,000 rushing yards? League MVP? Unprecedented entry into the Pro Football Hall of Fame while still playing? "We haven't been to the playoffs in two years, so I want to get back to the playoffs, hopefully win the Super Bowl here," he said. "I've got a lot of team goals. We haven't been in the postseason, so that's the big thing this team hasn't done, and I've always got that goal to rush for 2,000 yards again." OK, maybe he was coached up by his agent, Joel Segal. Perhaps he has taken note of"

Tennessee Titans' Chris Johnson wants ball now

September 3

Tennessean

"Titans running back Chris Johnson is willing to share his money. Aside from himself, the biggest beneficiary of his new $53.5 million contract will be his mother. As for the division of carries on the football field, well, Johnson's going to be stingy there. "I'd like to get all the reps,'' Johnson said with a smile on Friday. "That's just the type of player I am. At the end of the day, it is more than just about the big contract and getting all the money. "The type of player I am, when I am out there on the field, I want to be the best and when it is time to win I want the team to count on me. I want to put the team on my shoulders and steer us to victory." The Titans are clearly counting"

Tennessee Titans excited to get running back Chris Johnson back in the fold

September 2

New Orleans Times-Picayune

"Hours before kickoff of Thursday night's exhibition finale against the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome, the Titans had already registered a victory. The bank account of longtime owner Bud Adams, however, will be far lighter as a result. The Titans came to terms with holdout running back Chris Johnson on a four-year, $54 million contract extension, $30 million of that guaranteed according to numerous news outlets. That ensures Johnson's presence for Tennessee's regular-season opener next Sunday at Jacksonville. The additional four years will be added to the two years Johnson had remaining on his existing contract. The agreement ended what had become an acrimonious 35-day holdout, with"

Chris Johnson becomes Titans' $53 million man

September 2

Tennessean

columnist David Climer

"Wonder if Chris Johnson's blockbuster deal with the Titans includes a no-tweet clause? It's not a bad idea. Johnson's incessant posts on his Twitter account served as an interesting sidebar to the final flurry of negotiations that led to the contract extension the two sides agreed to on Thursday — a four-year, $53.5 million extension, with $30 million in guaranteed money. Somehow, I find it interesting that the two sides suddenly had a bargaining breakthrough on Wednesday, the same day Johnson angered some fans with a tweeting tantrum. Details of the contract were finalized on Thursday."

Chris Johnson's big deal sets the market for Vikings running back Adrian Peterson

September 2

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Adrian Peterson and Chris Johnson have debated through the media about which running back is superior, but Peterson must agree with Johnson on one thing: Johnson's payday is good for both of them. Johnson signed a four-year, $53.5 million extension Thursday that includes $30 million guaranteed - opening the door for Peterson to make even more if the Vikings extend him beyond 2011. In an interview last week, Peterson said he saw this coming with Johnson, who held out of camp before agreeing to terms. "Hey, take care of him," said Peterson, who didn't play in Thursday night's preseason finale against Houston. "He deserves to be taken care of. Their owner is saying they are going to make him"

Titans, Chris Johnson agree to contract

September 1

Tennessean

"The TItans have agreed to a four-year, $53.5 million contract with running back Chris Johnson, according to sources familiar with the situation. The deal, reached on the 35th day of his holdout, includes $30 million guaranteed. Johnson and his agent, Joel Segal, met with Titans General Manager Mike Reinfeldt and Vice President of Football Operations Vin Marino last week in Nashville, but after that meeting Johnson admitted the two sides didn’t see “eye to eye” and Reinfeldt said there was work to be done. On Wednesday, however, the two sides finally had a breakthrough in negotiations."

Tennessee Titans, Chris Johnson making progress in contract talks

September 1

Tennessean

"After weeks of butting heads, the Titans and holdout running back Chris Johnson are finally making progress toward a new long-term contract, according to sources familiar with the situation. The Titans and Johnson's agent, Joel Segal, exchanged ideas and proposals on Wednesday, and for the first time made positive movement in negotiations."

Chris Johnson sounds off on 'fake Titans fans'

August 31

Tennessean

"Running back Chris Johnson sounds as if he's heard enough of fans wondering when he might return to the Titans. Johnson, who's holding out for a new contract after leading the league in rushing over the past three seasons, sounded off on his Twitter account earlier today. Said Johnson on Twitter: "Can these fake Titan fans STFU on my timeline I don't have a regular job so don't compare me to you and I can care less if uthink I'm greedy" All righty, then. The Titans and Johnson are continuing to negotiate a new deal, trying to bridge a gap between what a top running back should make and what an elite-level playmaker should make."

How much is Chris Johnson worth to Tennessee Titans?

August 31

Tennessean

"As general manager of the Chargers back in 1990, Bobby Beathard played the bad guy. Popular linebacker Junior Seau from USC held out for a more lucrative rookie contract, and it was Beathard who heard it from fans. He stood his ground, however, and after 34 days, Seau finally signed. For Beathard, it's not a pleasant memory. "The great thing about being a general manager is building the roster, evaluating players and doing the draft,'' he said. "But unfortunately the contract negotiations come with the job. I went through them and I couldn't stand them. They're awful." While public opinion seems split on which side is more to blame in the complicated stalemate between Tennessee Titans"

Work continues on new deal for Titans' Johnson

August 30

NFL.com

"The Titans and Chris Johnson continue to negotiate a long-term deal, according to league sources. The sides remain in close contact and are working towards a deal that would end the Pro Bowler's holdout in time for him to participate in the regular-season opener on Sept. 11. The sides were at a stalemate after a face-to-face meeting last week but continue conversations on a new deal and are in regular communication to the point where momentum toward a new deal could build considerably by the weekend, if not sooner."