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PRO: Combining world-class speed, durability and big-play ability, Chris Johnson is one of the NFL’s top young offensive stars. His 5,645 rushing yards from 2008–2011, his first four NFL seasons, led the league during that stretch and ranked 10th in NFL history for a player’s initial four campaigns. Johnson enters 2012 already ranked third in franchise history in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns and 100-yard rushing games. Also a threat in the receiving game, his 7,071 yards from scrimmage ranked fourth in NFL history for a player’s first four seasons. The former first-round pick has the uncanny ability to score from anywhere on the field. Only three players in NFL history (Barry Sanders, Jim Brown and O.J. Simpson) had more career touchdown runs of 45 yards or longer than Johnson had in his first four years. Also, despite a heavy workload throughout his first four seasons, he never missed a game due to injury. In 2009, Johnson produced one of the most extraordinary seasons by a running back in league history when he amassed a franchise-best 2,006 rushing yards and an NFL-record 2,509 yards from scrimmage.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
• From 2008–2011, no NFL player had more rushing yards than Johnson (5,645).
• In 2011, Johnson topped the 1,000-yard mark for the fourth time in four NFL seasons, totaling 1,047 yards on 262 carries. He became the third player in franchise history to rush for 1,000 yards in four consecutive seasons, joining Eddie George (five seasons from 1996-00) and Earl Campbell (four from 1978-81). Johnson was the 12th NFL player in the 16-game schedule era (since 1978) to record 1,000 or more rushing yards in his first four NFL seasons, following in the footsteps of George, Campbell, Curtis Martin (1995-04), Barry Sanders (1989-98), LaDainian Tomlinson (2001-08), Eric Dickerson (1983-89), Corey Dillon (1997-02), Jamal Lewis (2000-04), Terrell Davis (1995-98), Adrian Peterson (2007-10) and Clinton Portis (2002-05).
• Johnson’s 57 receptions in 2011 tied Lorenzo White (1992) and Fred Willis (1973) for third in franchise history among running backs, trailing only Butch Wolfolk’s 80 receptions in 1985 and Todd McNair’s 60 in 1995.
• His 5,645 rushing yards from 2008–2011 ranked 10th in NFL history through a player’s first four NFL seasons, and only three players in NFL history had more scrimmage yards in their first four campaigns than Johnson, who had 7,071. The three players ahead of him on the list were LaDainian Tomlinson (7,921), Eric Dickerson (7,842) and Terrell Davis (7,594).
• In 2010, he finished fourth in the NFL and third in the AFC with 1,364 rushing yards. He rushed for 100 or more yards in an NFL-best eight contests (tied with Arian Foster).
• Johnson reached 4,000 career rushing yards in his 40th career game, making him just the seventh player in NFL history to accomplsih the feat.
• He became only the sixth player in NFL history to reach 2,000 rushing yards in a season in 2009, joining Eric Dickerson (2,105), Jamal Lewis (2,066), Barry Sanders (2,053), Terrell Davis (2,008) and O.J. Simpson (2,003).
• In 2009, he became the first player in NFL history with at least 2,000 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in the same season.
• Johnson was named AP Offensive Player of the Year and was the only unanimous AP first-team All-Pro selection in 2009.
• He set a franchise record with 228 rushing yards on 24 carries with two touchdowns against Jacksonville (11/1/09).
• He amassed a career-high 284 total yards from scrimmage against Houston (9/20/09), the second-highest combined rushing and receiving total in franchise history behind Billy Cannon’s 330 yards against the New York Titans on Dec. 10, 1961.
• Johnson became just the second player in franchise history (Billy Cannon, 12/10/61) to post 100 receiving yards and 100 rushing yards in the same game against Buffalo (11/15/09).
• He became the first player in NFL history with six consecutive games of 125+ rushing yards and a 5.0+ yards per carry average in each of those games (Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Brown accomplished this feat in five consecutive games in 1958).
• With his three touchdown runs of 85 or more yards in 2009 (91, 89, 85), he became the only player in NFL history to register three career touchdown runs of 85 or more yards.
• With his 76-yard touchdown run against Oakland (9/12/10), Johnson’s four career touchdown runs of 75 or more yards tied him for second all-time with Barry Sanders and Tony Dorsett, trailing only O.J. Simpson’s five.
• In his first two seasons (2009-2010), he amassed 3,997 total yards from scrimmage ranking him third (Eric Dickerson and Edgerrin James) in NFL history for scrimmage yards in a player’s first two campaigns.
• As a rookie in 2008, Johnson led the Titans with 1,228 rushing yards and was named to Pro Bowl. Finished third in AFC (eighth in NFL) in rushing yards and his 4.9-yard average was first in AFC (fourth in NFL).
• Johnson rushed for more than 100 yards in 12 consectuive games (10/18/09 - 9/12/10), which ranks second in NFL history (Barry Sanders, 14).
• At the NFL Scouting Combine in February 2008, Johnson was timed in the 40-yard dash at 4.24 seconds.
TITANS TIDBITS:
• Johnson is one of the NFL’s most popular players on Twitter. He can be followed at @ChrisJohnson28.
• At his website, www.chrisjohnsonhq.com., Johnson has his own clothing line for sale. He launched the brand in December 2010, and it is also available at several retailers in the Nashville, Orlando and East Carolina areas.
• In 2012, Johnson launched his own foundation, Team CJ2K (www.teamcj2k.org), to partner with Learning Through Sports, East Carolina University, United Way, Boys and Girl Club and Middle Tennessee State University to “deliver the most amount of help to the largest number of kids possible.” Efforts will center on educational programs for underserved youth. In addition to pledging his own money for the cause, Johnson is hoping to get other individuals and businesses to pledge a certain amount for every yard he gains rushing the football.
• Johnson decided to attend East Carolina because the Pirates offered him the best opportunity to play running back. Other schools that recruited him wanted him to play cornerback. His versatility as an athlete came in handy as a junior at ECU when he played slot receiver to limit his cutting on a turf toe injury.
• This is not the first time Johnson has played for the Titans. He was a star running back and track athlete for the Olympia High School Titans in Orlando, Fla.
• At the NFL Scouting Combine in February 2008, Johnson was timed in the 40-yard dash at 4.24 seconds. While a few other players have been recorded at faster times at other venues using a handheld stopwatch, Johnson’s time is the fastest in the combine in the last 15 years and believed by most to be the fastest ever electronically timed 40-yard dash at the combine, which began in 1982.
• Johnson, who was a star in track and field as well as football in high school, finished second in the 100-meter dash at the Florida state meet to Walter Dix, who went on to win the bronze medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
• Two of Johnson’s closest friends are NFL wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker and former New Mexico State running back Kenny Turner. The three friends grew up together in Orlando but had their relationship tested when Turner was incarcerated as a teenager. Their emotional story has been chronicled on ESPN’s E:60.
CAREER TRANSACTIONS:
• The Orlando, Fla., native was selected by the Titans in the first round (24th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE:
• Became third all-time leading rusher in ECU history with 2,982 rushing yards and set team record among running backs in career receptions (125) and receiving yards (1,296). Also became Pirates’ career leader in total touchdowns (44), kickoff return yards (2,715 - a Conference USA record) and all-purpose yards (6,993 - third in conference history). In total, set or tied 18 game, season and career records for ECU. Also included on that list are season scoring record (144 points as a senior) and single-game all-purpose yardage total (408 yards on two occasions during senior season). He appeared in 47 games with 36 starts.
• As senior (2007), led nation with 227.7 all-purpose yards per game and was named first-team All-American by Pro Football Weekly and honorable mention All-American by SI.com. Started all 13 games at running back and totaled 236 carries for 1,423 yards (6.0 avg.) and 17 touchdowns. Added 37 receptions for 528 yards (14.3 avg.) and six touchdowns and 36 kickoff returns for 1,009 yards (28.0 avg.) and one touchdown.
• As junior (2006), played 12 games with five starts. Totaled 78 carries for 314 yards and four touchdowns and 21 receptions for 176 yards. Named first-team All-Conference USA as return specialist after posting 21 kickoff returns for 482 yards and one touchdown.
• As sophomore (2005), led Pirates with 176 carries for 684 yards (3.9 avg.) and six touchdowns. Also ranked second on squad with 35 receptions for 356 yards and two touchdowns. Added 21 kickoff returns for 459 yards. Ranked second in Conference USA with 136.3 all-purpose yards per game (1,499 total).
• As freshman (2004), earned Conference USA All-Freshman honors after rushing for 561 yards and five touchdowns on 134 carries (4.2 avg.). Added 32 receptions for 236 yards and two touchdowns and career-high 37 kickoff returns for 765 yards. Ranked fourth in the conference with an average of 142.0 all-purpose yards per game.
• Majored in communications.
PERSONAL:
• Splits time between Nashville and Orlando, Fla.
• Earned All-Orange County honors as senior running back for Olympia (Orlando, Fla.) High School Titans. Scored eight touchdowns as senior and eclipsed 1,000 yards as junior.
• Also played basketball and competed in track in high school. Ran 10.38-second 100-meter dash and anchored 4x100 team that won Golden South and Golden West National Championships.
• Holds a three-day Old Spice Chris Johnson Football Camp in Nashville during the offseason.
• Worked with The Key Alliance in Nashville to support Project Homeless Connect, a one-day event that provided more than 10,000 direct services to about 1,500 individuals and families struggling with homelessness in Nashville. Later filmed a public service announcement with Nashville Mayor Karl Dean to support The Key Alliance.
• List of favorites: (movie) “Menace II Society”; (TV show) “The Jamie Foxx Show”; (actor) Denzel Washington; (music artist) Lil Wayne; (school subject) math; (car) 1973 Chevy Caprice; (video game) NCAA Football; (sports team other than Titans) Denver Nuggets; (sports hero) Deion Sanders; and (food) pizza.
• Born Christopher Duan Johnson on Sept. 23, 1985 in Orlando, Fla.
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PRO: Combining world-class speed, durability and big-play ability, Chris Johnson is one of the NFL’s top young offensive stars. His 5,645 rushing yards from 2008–2011, his first four NFL seasons, led the league during that stretch and ranked 10th in NFL history for a player’s initial four campaigns. Johnson enters 2012 already ranked third in franchise history in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns and 100-yard rushing games. Also a threat in the receiving game, his 7,071 yards from scrimmage ranked fourth in NFL history for a player’s first four seasons. The former first-round pick has the uncanny ability to score from anywhere on the field. Only three players in NFL history (Barry Sanders, Jim Brown and O.J. Simpson) had more career touchdown runs of 45 yards or longer than Johnson had in his first four years. Also, despite a heavy workload throughout his first four seasons, he never missed a game due to injury. In 2009, Johnson produced one of the most extraordinary seasons by a running back in league history when he amassed a franchise-best 2,006 rushing yards and an NFL-record 2,509 yards from scrimmage.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
• From 2008–2011, no NFL player had more rushing yards than Johnson (5,645).
• In 2011, Johnson topped the 1,000-yard mark for the fourth time in four NFL seasons, totaling 1,047 yards on 262 carries. He became the third player in franchise history to rush for 1,000 yards in four consecutive seasons, joining Eddie George (five seasons from 1996-00) and Earl Campbell (four from 1978-81). Johnson was the 12th NFL player in the 16-game schedule era (since 1978) to record 1,000 or more rushing yards in his first four NFL seasons, following in the footsteps of George, Campbell, Curtis Martin (1995-04), Barry Sanders (1989-98), LaDainian Tomlinson (2001-08), Eric Dickerson (1983-89), Corey Dillon (1997-02), Jamal Lewis (2000-04), Terrell Davis (1995-98), Adrian Peterson (2007-10) and Clinton Portis (2002-05).
• Johnson’s 57 receptions in 2011 tied Lorenzo White (1992) and Fred Willis (1973) for third in franchise history among running backs, trailing only Butch Wolfolk’s 80 receptions in 1985 and Todd McNair’s 60 in 1995.
• His 5,645 rushing yards from 2008–2011 ranked 10th in NFL history through a player’s first four NFL seasons, and only three players in NFL history had more scrimmage yards in their first four campaigns than Johnson, who had 7,071. The three players ahead of him on the list were LaDainian Tomlinson (7,921), Eric Dickerson (7,842) and Terrell Davis (7,594).
• In 2010, he finished fourth in the NFL and third in the AFC with 1,364 rushing yards. He rushed for 100 or more yards in an NFL-best eight contests (tied with Arian Foster).
• Johnson reached 4,000 career rushing yards in his 40th career game, making him just the seventh player in NFL history to accomplsih the feat.
• He became only the sixth player in NFL history to reach 2,000 rushing yards in a season in 2009, joining Eric Dickerson (2,105), Jamal Lewis (2,066), Barry Sanders (2,053), Terrell Davis (2,008) and O.J. Simpson (2,003).
• In 2009, he became the first player in NFL history with at least 2,000 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in the same season.
• Johnson was named AP Offensive Player of the Year and was the only unanimous AP first-team All-Pro selection in 2009.
• He set a franchise record with 228 rushing yards on 24 carries with two touchdowns against Jacksonville (11/1/09).
• He amassed a career-high 284 total yards from scrimmage against Houston (9/20/09), the second-highest combined rushing and receiving total in franchise history behind Billy Cannon’s 330 yards against the New York Titans on Dec. 10, 1961.
• Johnson became just the second player in franchise history (Billy Cannon, 12/10/61) to post 100 receiving yards and 100 rushing yards in the same game against Buffalo (11/15/09).
• He became the first player in NFL history with six consecutive games of 125+ rushing yards and a 5.0+ yards per carry average in each of those games (Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Brown accomplished this feat in five consecutive games in 1958).
• With his three touchdown runs of 85 or more yards in 2009 (91, 89, 85), he became the only player in NFL history to register three career touchdown runs of 85 or more yards.
• With his 76-yard touchdown run against Oakland (9/12/10), Johnson’s four career touchdown runs of 75 or more yards tied him for second all-time with Barry Sanders and Tony Dorsett, trailing only O.J. Simpson’s five.
• In his first two seasons (2009-2010), he amassed 3,997 total yards from scrimmage ranking him third (Eric Dickerson and Edgerrin James) in NFL history for scrimmage yards in a player’s first two campaigns.
• As a rookie in 2008, Johnson led the Titans with 1,228 rushing yards and was named to Pro Bowl. Finished third in AFC (eighth in NFL) in rushing yards and his 4.9-yard average was first in AFC (fourth in NFL).
• Johnson rushed for more than 100 yards in 12 consectuive games (10/18/09 - 9/12/10), which ranks second in NFL history (Barry Sanders, 14).
• At the NFL Scouting Combine in February 2008, Johnson was timed in the 40-yard dash at 4.24 seconds.
TITANS TIDBITS:
• Johnson is one of the NFL’s most popular players on Twitter. He can be followed at @ChrisJohnson28.
• At his website, www.chrisjohnsonhq.com., Johnson has his own clothing line for sale. He launched the brand in December 2010, and it is also available at several retailers in the Nashville, Orlando and East Carolina areas.
• In 2012, Johnson launched his own foundation, Team CJ2K (www.teamcj2k.org), to partner with Learning Through Sports, East Carolina University, United Way, Boys and Girl Club and Middle Tennessee State University to “deliver the most amount of help to the largest number of kids possible.” Efforts will center on educational programs for underserved youth. In addition to pledging his own money for the cause, Johnson is hoping to get other individuals and businesses to pledge a certain amount for every yard he gains rushing the football.
• Johnson decided to attend East Carolina because the Pirates offered him the best opportunity to play running back. Other schools that recruited him wanted him to play cornerback. His versatility as an athlete came in handy as a junior at ECU when he played slot receiver to limit his cutting on a turf toe injury.
• This is not the first time Johnson has played for the Titans. He was a star running back and track athlete for the Olympia High School Titans in Orlando, Fla.
• At the NFL Scouting Combine in February 2008, Johnson was timed in the 40-yard dash at 4.24 seconds. While a few other players have been recorded at faster times at other venues using a handheld stopwatch, Johnson’s time is the fastest in the combine in the last 15 years and believed by most to be the fastest ever electronically timed 40-yard dash at the combine, which began in 1982.
• Johnson, who was a star in track and field as well as football in high school, finished second in the 100-meter dash at the Florida state meet to Walter Dix, who went on to win the bronze medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
• Two of Johnson’s closest friends are NFL wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker and former New Mexico State running back Kenny Turner. The three friends grew up together in Orlando but had their relationship tested when Turner was incarcerated as a teenager. Their emotional story has been chronicled on ESPN’s E:60.
CAREER TRANSACTIONS:
• The Orlando, Fla., native was selected by the Titans in the first round (24th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE:
• Became third all-time leading rusher in ECU history with 2,982 rushing yards and set team record among running backs in career receptions (125) and receiving yards (1,296). Also became Pirates’ career leader in total touchdowns (44), kickoff return yards (2,715 - a Conference USA record) and all-purpose yards (6,993 - third in conference history). In total, set or tied 18 game, season and career records for ECU. Also included on that list are season scoring record (144 points as a senior) and single-game all-purpose yardage total (408 yards on two occasions during senior season). He appeared in 47 games with 36 starts.
• As senior (2007), led nation with 227.7 all-purpose yards per game and was named first-team All-American by Pro Football Weekly and honorable mention All-American by SI.com. Started all 13 games at running back and totaled 236 carries for 1,423 yards (6.0 avg.) and 17 touchdowns. Added 37 receptions for 528 yards (14.3 avg.) and six touchdowns and 36 kickoff returns for 1,009 yards (28.0 avg.) and one touchdown.
• As junior (2006), played 12 games with five starts. Totaled 78 carries for 314 yards and four touchdowns and 21 receptions for 176 yards. Named first-team All-Conference USA as return specialist after posting 21 kickoff returns for 482 yards and one touchdown.
• As sophomore (2005), led Pirates with 176 carries for 684 yards (3.9 avg.) and six touchdowns. Also ranked second on squad with 35 receptions for 356 yards and two touchdowns. Added 21 kickoff returns for 459 yards. Ranked second in Conference USA with 136.3 all-purpose yards per game (1,499 total).
• As freshman (2004), earned Conference USA All-Freshman honors after rushing for 561 yards and five touchdowns on 134 carries (4.2 avg.). Added 32 receptions for 236 yards and two touchdowns and career-high 37 kickoff returns for 765 yards. Ranked fourth in the conference with an average of 142.0 all-purpose yards per game.
• Majored in communications.
PERSONAL:
• Splits time between Nashville and Orlando, Fla.
• Earned All-Orange County honors as senior running back for Olympia (Orlando, Fla.) High School Titans. Scored eight touchdowns as senior and eclipsed 1,000 yards as junior.
• Also played basketball and competed in track in high school. Ran 10.38-second 100-meter dash and anchored 4x100 team that won Golden South and Golden West National Championships.
• Holds a three-day Old Spice Chris Johnson Football Camp in Nashville during the offseason.
• Worked with The Key Alliance in Nashville to support Project Homeless Connect, a one-day event that provided more than 10,000 direct services to about 1,500 individuals and families struggling with homelessness in Nashville. Later filmed a public service announcement with Nashville Mayor Karl Dean to support The Key Alliance.
• List of favorites: (movie) “Menace II Society”; (TV show) “The Jamie Foxx Show”; (actor) Denzel Washington; (music artist) Lil Wayne; (school subject) math; (car) 1973 Chevy Caprice; (video game) NCAA Football; (sports team other than Titans) Denver Nuggets; (sports hero) Deion Sanders; and (food) pizza.
• Born Christopher Duan Johnson on Sept. 23, 1985 in Orlando, Fla.
