For Larry Johnson, it would be a fresh start.
The recently released yet talented but troubled running back now finds himself without a job after several troubled years with the Kansas City Chiefs whose management finally was fed up with the former Pro-Bowler.
After his official release on Monday, Johnson commented that he would still like to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers which makes all the sense in the world for the Penn State graduate.
But for the Steelers: It makes no sense at all.
Johnson has been suspended twice in the past year by the Chiefs, with his latest suspension coming two weeks ago after posting a gay slur on his twitter account, and questioning the competence of his head coach, Todd Haley.
"A part of him is excited and a part of him is very regretful," his agent, Peter Schaffer, told The Associated Press. "There's a lot of feelings going on right now. It's analogous to breaking up with a girlfriend. Maybe you saw it coming, but it still hurts when it happens."
Since 2006 he’s held out of training camp, been sentenced to two years probation for disturbing the peace, and was suspended in ’08 for violating team rules.
And people actually believe that an ownership group as distinguished as the Rooney family would want a guy like this?
With the recent emergence of second-year running back Rashard Mendenhall, the last thing the Steelers front office wants is a guy with Johnson’s attitude to impede Mendenhall’s progress.
Not only does Johnson have the emotional baggage but he’s also been unproductive recently as his numbers have significantly dropped off in the last couple years on a very poor Kansas City Chiefs team.
Add to the fact that the Steelers already have a crowded backfield with Mendenhall, Willie Parker, and Mewelde Moore and it just doesn’t make sense for Pittsburgh to sign the beleaguered running back this year.
Some will argue that the stable, low-keyed Steelers organization (who has not commented on their interest) is a place that could keep Johnson’s actions in check and where he could be successful and revive his career. With Willie Parker likely leaving at the end of this season, maybe Johnson could slide into his spot and be productive.
While that argument has some validity to it, it’s just an issue that not important enough for the 6-2 Steelers to be distracted by as they look to take first place in the AFC North with a win against Cincinnati Sunday.
NOTES:
- Larry Johnson's most productive years were in 2005 and 2006 when he rushed for a combined 3,539 yards and 37 touchdowns.
- He finished with 2.087 rushing yards in 2002 while a senior at Penn State.
Comments
This has been written about, it is far from being original and frankly if I could meet you in person I'd dump a drink or something else over your head. You pull all your facts from other organization's like mine (PG) You are nothing but a big farce, a wannabe. Like the one guy said in your other article, hope this isn't your day job...
First off, How do you know what our FO is thinking. You have never even been through the doors here in teh South Side or at Heinz Field for that matter. I would have security escort you out if that was the fact. Then you are calling us stable and low key? This has been written about hours ago by USA Today, ESPN and even your guy had a decent story up. This is old news. I agree with Peezy, sure hope this is not your day job.
I have to say, it was an informative article and I agree with you that the Steelers should not take L.J. As for the other comments, damn you guys are tough. I guess when you write about sports in a town like Pittsburgh you gotta be thick skinned.
Hey Dan, excellent article looking at both sids of the coin but I agree with you. Steelers don't need L.J. at this time. By the way, I also agree with DD. I don't know where these people who write those off the wall comments come from but it sounds like jealously.Why else would they even take the time to read them and write comments. Keep up the good work, keep those articles coming and ignore those negative comments. I have a feeling there's something more going on than meets the eye!
I have never commented on your articles Dan but I feel I need to. I am a senior citizen and have been following the Steelers for a very very long time. I read and enjoy your comments. Most of the time I agree and a few times I don't. I thought the purpose of the comment section was to discuss the article, give your opinion, or discuss other football related issues, NOT to trash the writer. I can only think an educated guess would be that you have competition who thinks "trash talk" is "cool." I've lived in the Pittsburgh area all my life and have been involved with football through many different avenues for at least 45 yrs. I have heard you broadcast high school as well as college games and in my "professional" opinion as well as what I've heard in the area you are respected in regards to your knowledge and humor. Keep up the good work and disregard those negative nonsensical immature comments. As far as L.J. I agree with your article.If for no other reason, because of his attitude.
Paul, I too am a senior citizen have lived in the Western Pa area all my life. Played high school and college ball at a D-I school and have been around the game one sort or another for 38 years. I agree with you about LJ, but I disagree with you that just because Dan covers the high school scene on the radio makes him knowledgeable of the professional sports scene. I really doubt anyone considers him competition as I read all the Pgh sports sections and those guys are all there covering the team and at games unlike Dan who is at high school events. While Dan does put up some decent ones here and there, most are duplicates of what the radio guys have already said, what the PG, BCT or Trib even ESPN or USA today has up or from WTAE's site. I have held season tickets since 1970 and at least am there on weekends. Sir, you sound like his father not a reader which is very nice if that is the fact. Having heard Dan too, I think he should write about WPIAL sports, not the Steelers.
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