LJ now happy to be in KC

**doobs_05** · 07-30-2009, 03:48 AM

New Chiefs regime has Larry Johnson happy to stay in Kansas City - ESPN

Larry Johnson will head to Rivers Falls, Wisc., on Thursday for the start of training camp for the Kansas City Chiefs.

And he's thrilled about it. Six months ago, that seemed impossible. Johnson's departure from Kansas City seemed inevitable after a rough 2008 season that was his sixth in a productive but rocky career in Kansas City.
Johnson requested a trade on numerous occasions in the past year.

Now, however, the standout running back wants to be in Kansas City. In his first comments about his change of heart, Johnson told ESPN.com that his rebirth in Kansas City is due to the arrival of general manager Scott Pioli, head coach Todd Haley and assistant head coach Maurice Carthon.

"I want to be here because of Scott Pioli's commitment to winning," Johnson said. "He has a no-nonsense approach and coach Haley's offensive system fits me. My decision to want to stay here is really based on what those guys are doing here."

Johnson was indirectly critical of the previous Kansas City regime. General manager Carl Peterson and coach Herm Edwards were not brought back after the Chiefs went 2-14 last season.

"These guys are going to put the players on the field who can best help the team. They are not going to worry about four or five years down the road," Johnson said. "There is a new excitement in Kansas City. I believe in these guys and what they are going to do to make the Chiefs a winner."

Johnson acknowledged that he had to work to gain the trust of the new Kansas City leadership. He said he had to shed his perception of being a "locker room cancer." He said he did so by "working my butt of and shutting my mouth."

Johnson attended the team's offseason workout program and tried to impress his coaches with his work ethic. He said he bonded with Carthon, who will oversee the team's running backs, as well as Haley.

"I think I fit their power running offense and I think I can be a workhorse in this system," Johnson said. "I'm very excited about the opportunity here."

Johnson, who'll turn 30 in November, was suspended a total of four games in 2008 by the Chiefs and the league after being arrested twice for incidents involving women in nightclubs. In March, he pled guilty to the two 2008 incidents and was sentenced to two years probation.
He had 874 yards on 193 carries (a 4.5 yard per carry average) in 2008. He believes he can become the 400-carry-a-season player he was in 2006 when he set an NFL record with 416 carries.

"The team is committed to running the ball and I think I'll be a big part of it," Johnson said. "I'm really happy to be part of it."

Bill Williamson covers the AFC West for ESPN.com.

since he's happy now wonder if he'll play better (tho our line did suck)

**AussieChiefsFan** · 07-30-2009, 04:16 AM

That's good to know. I mean he doesn't have the BEST attitude but he's a good player.

**brish** · 07-30-2009, 07:19 AM

He said all the right things, and the lack of LJ reports in this offseason seems to validate his claims that he has changed.
If he continues this way, then I might break out my LJ jersey again.
Good for him and good for us!

**pbatrucker** · 07-30-2009, 07:22 AM

I hope his new attitude continues. We really need his talent and the running game is a must to keep our defense off the field. Now don't go jumping all over this. IMO the defense has improved, but still has a long way to go.

**Vandelay** · 07-30-2009, 11:35 AM

I'm skeptical that he has changed. But we shall see.

**yashi** · 07-30-2009, 12:54 PM

I liked Rotoworld's blurb about this story.

"I want to be here because of (new GM) Scott Pioli's commitment to winning," Johnson said. "There is a new excitement in Kansas City." We'll see how "thrilled" and "excited" Johnson is when he's coming off the field frequently because he doesn't fit Chan Gailey and Todd Haley's spread offense.

Regardless, it's still nice to see LJ being a good boy for once in his life.

**Chiefster** · 07-30-2009, 01:02 PM

It is good to read something positive coming from him for a change.

**honda522** · 07-30-2009, 05:16 PM

Like I said before, NO he isn't. He is just saying that. He wants out, he knows he will not have anywhere to go.

**Vanilla Garilla** · 07-30-2009, 06:06 PM

I have been following his blog for a while, and I think we are finally going to seen the LJ that we always wanted. I am pleased with his new found work ethic and attitude, and hope he has a great comeback year.

Dear LJ, please show me the Jim Brown in you that I have seen flashes of throughout your career all season long.