As he prepares for the Titans’ Ring of Honor, CJ2K reflects on his historic 2,509-yard season and his courageous battle with ALS while building his Canton case.
The Tennessee Titans are inducting former running back Chris Johnson into the franchise's Ring of Honor on Sunday at halftime.
With how aggressive ALS is, there isn't a better time to do so. When we learned about his diagnosis earlier this year, he was unable to speak on his own.
The ceremony will be special, not only because of its significance but also because he was a tremendous player here.
He joined the 2,000-yard club and left his mark on the franchise.
Johnson spoke to Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame. They spoke about the challenges of ALS and how it has impacted his daily life.
Johnson then mentioned his desire to be in the Hall of Fame. He believed that he belonged in the conversation.
“I do believe I belong in the Hall of Fame,” Johnson says. “When I look at what I accomplished during my career, I think I’ve earned the right to be part of that conversation. And, yeah, it matters to me. It matters a lot. Every kid who grows up playing football dreams about making the Hall of Fame. I’ve spent my whole life working for that, so of course it’s important. At the same time, I know there are things in my life now that are bigger than football. My family will always come first. But if that call ever comes, it would mean the world to me.”
Johnson definitely has a case.
Not many players have joined the 2,000-yard club. There have been fewer than 10 players able to achieve the feat in their NFL careers.
Johnson has an NFL record that still stands to this day. Johnson ran for 2,000 rushing yards in 2009, but he also set the record for most scrimmage yards in a season.
He had 2,509 that year, and the active player who has come closest in recent years is Christian McCaffrey. He had 2,329 in 2019 with the Carolina Panthers. There isn't an active player who has come close to breaking his record besides McCaffrey.
It's hard to say if Johnson was consistent enough to be up for the Hall of Fame. He had 1,000 yards or more from 2008-2013. Then, he left the Titans and joined the Arizona Cardinals. He wasn't able to reach the 1,000-yard mark again in his career.
Still, he has a good case based on his time here in Music City. Johnson had an incredible career in the NFL.
At least we know that the Titans are honoring him in the way that he deserves.
