My final take, Larry Johnson

     I remember a time when the Kansas City Chiefs football team was considered by many to have the most explosive offense in the National Football League. Trent Green at QB, Priest Holmes breaking rushing records seemingly every week, and annual pro bowl tight end Tony Gonzalez making highlight reel catches untouched down the middle of the field. I remember the Pro Bowl offensive line, one through five, rush blocking and pass blocking like no other line in the league. There was also this interesting running back drafted, surprisingly by the Chiefs at the end of the first round, from Penn State, Larry Johnson.

     I remember the coach Dick Vermeil suggesting that it was time to take the diapers off, when the Chiefs needed someone to step up after Holmes suffered an injury, and Larry Johnson stepping up to become one of the leagues most feared rushers. Johnson not only became a fierce rusher, but excelled at catching the ball as well, in the Chiefs juggernaut offense. The Chiefs didn't seem to skip a beat as Priest Holmes declined, and by all accounts the Chiefs would continue their dominance in the AFC.

      So why recount the back history? It seems that since the very beginning, Larry Johnson has had issues in dealing with being a professional athlete. His own personal expectations of what a pro should be could be considered misguided and even sad. Johnson has and had an abundance of ability, and moving forward many people will look back on the "glory" days proudly, because the Chiefs were an exciting team, regardless of the names of the players. Sometimes history will shine on those players, presenting accolades befitting a legend. The Hall of Fame will not call on Larry Johnson, and that is a shame. Larry had the world at his feet, millions of dollars, the respect of his peers and the admiration of countless fans.....children.

      It's impossible to imagine how awful Larry Johnson will feel about the silly misteps he has made in his career, say in ten years when he's retired and working on other projects. What could have been for Larry Johnson. A retired number hanging in Arrowhead? The Hall? It seems to have all been erased by the most simple mistakes. Larry Johnson had an opportunity to become a the veteran on this team, the voice for the young offense. It seems that now Larry will end his career on the street, sadly, with no accolades, no team and no ability to go back and repair the damage he's done.

     What a shame. What a waste.