Chiefs RB Larry Johnson Wants to Break the Franchise Rushing Record

by Joel Thorman on Aug 3, 2009 7:46 PM CDT in 2009 Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp

Of course, any back wants to hold the franchise record for rushing but the fact that this is something that is helping drive Chiefs RB Larry Johnson is great. Yes, it's the new (and improved?) LJ, even if he doesn't like hearing that.

He's 432 yards away from passing Priest Holmes on the team's all-time rushing leaderboard, a topic we discussed three months ago.

LJ took a few minutes to talk to the media following today's afternoon practice. The audio comes courtesy of 610 Sports. Below are some of the highlights:

On the 'new' Chiefs:

This is great being with Pioli and Todd Haley and of course Maurice [Carthon]. They definitely kept everyting good and wiped a clean slate with me. It's been fun with those three guys. Each of them have great personalities that you vibe off of and it's easy to come to work this way.

On personal and team goals:

This year I'm coming up on that mark to possibly break the all time Chiefs rushing record. It's a lot of things as far as getting back to the playoffs, a Super Bowl. There's a lot of things on my plate that I'm trying to achieve, not only for myself, but most importantly for the team.

On the Cassel, LJ combo:

It's going to be a lot better because then it's going to be harder to put two safeties in the box. A lot of teams we play have great safeties so being able to take those out of the picture with the running game then coming along with the passing game it's going to be a good one-two punch.

On fast-paced practices:

In the game it's going to be a lot slower but it's great to practice at this pace because your mind is always working a lot faster in the game.

On the offensive scheme iin 2009:

No, we're not going to be tied to one thing. Obviously, Todd Haley coming in with Chan, we have two great offensive minds and throwing around a lot of ideas to make this team not one dimensional.

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I want him to break it

The more yards he gets the better our offense is I love the new LJ my fave part was ….
There’s a lot of things on my plate that I’m trying to achieve, not only for myself, but most importantly for the team.

by tomahawk44 on Aug 3, 2009 7:54 PM CDT reply actions

I think that..

One of the best and maybe subtle changes that have happend this past offseason are getting #27 back on board. We all know what LJ can do, and if we get that back we have a much better chance at winning more games. This guy is a beast

by King of the Cassel on Aug 3, 2009 7:59 PM CDT reply actions

I'll reluctantly agree

IF he is really on board, and stays that way… that’s a big win for the staff, and could mean more wins for the team.

I’ve been critical of LJ, but I can admit when I’m proven wrong… when he finishes this whole season healthy and productive.

"I doubt anyone will miss Connor Barth except UCrawford"

by stagdsp on Aug 3, 2009 8:01 PM CDT up reply actions

From the way LJ has been practicing

I’d say he is pretty serious.

by Scaryclouds on Aug 3, 2009 8:32 PM CDT up reply actions

hmmm, maybe

IF it’s true I totally agree with you. And this “development” is something that has me getting more excited about the year. IF LJ really is going to be serious then this team can make a much larger stride this year than I thought they might. He will definitely be a large part of protecting Cassel.

However, I remain very skeptical of the character of LJ. I do not want to get overly optimistic either.

Hopes fade once again from blue to red. Go New Chiefs!!

by kabrink on Aug 3, 2009 8:38 PM CDT up reply actions

Now I seriously need to think about keeping LJ in my fantasy league

allowed three keepers, debating between LJ, Reggie, Darren McFailure (I know, it hurts to admit I have him but stole him off waivers while he was hurt), Steve Smith, and Marquis Colston.

The advantage to dropping LJ is that I think his value in fantasy leagues will be “low” making him a good value pick in the second round.

For justice we must go to Don Pioli

by Sudden on Aug 3, 2009 8:02 PM CDT reply actions

I would take LJ

as he will be the focal point in games against Ravens, Raiders, Eagles, and Giants.
If KC can’t run consistently we are putting Cassel in danger with a throwing from behind type game.
Just a thought

Ryan Succop will Kick Two clutch kicks that will directly affect Said game.
Rule 49. " Think and talk positive football off the field." Hank Stram
Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying

by Steve_Chiefs on Aug 3, 2009 8:07 PM CDT up reply actions

Would’nt be surprised to see LJ dropping to even round 3 or 4 even in keeper leagues. Smith and Colston are must keepers. McFadden is on the worst rushing TD teams in the league and LoNeil wont help that much. Reggie is a good player to have for about 4 weeks before he gets hurt so maybe LJ is a good keep?

"Success is never ending, failure is never final."

by GenericBrand on Aug 3, 2009 8:24 PM CDT up reply actions

I put this on another post but don't think too many saw it................

I don’t remember ever really looking at these figures, but here is what LJ was referring.. ….to as his 2002 College year:

Played in 13 games (12 starts) as a senior in 2002, leading the nation in rushing with 271 carries for 2,087 yards (7.7 avg.) with 20 TDs, good for an average of 160.5 yards per game … Hauled in 41 receptions for 349 yards (8.5 avg.) with three scores … Added 11 kickoff returns for 219 yards … Piled up 2,087 rushing yards in his final collegiate season, making him just the ninth player in NCAA Division I history to top the 2,000-yard rushing plateau … Shattered the school single-season rushing record of 1,567 yards set by Lydell Mitchell in ‘71 …Became the first player in college football annals to lead the nation in rushing and all-purpose yardage (2,655) in the same season … Posted four 200-yard games as a senior … Won the Doak Walker Award, as well as the Walter Camp and Maxwell Club Player of the Year Awards … Finished third in the Heisman Trophy balloting … Was a consensus first-team All-America selection, the Chevrolet National Offensive Player of the Year and a unanimous first-team All-Big Ten pick … Carried 28 times for a school single-game record 327 rushing yards with four TDs vs. Indiana.

He also amassed 1,347 kickoff return yards during his stay at Penn State, the second-highest total in school history, with one TD, as well as three punt returns for 64 yards (21.3 avg.) … Blocked two punts and scored TDs on blocked punt returns of 15 and 40 yards …

by jcox31mc on Aug 3, 2009 8:16 PM CDT reply actions

Me and LJ have a love hate relationship

Its more of a what have you done for me lately the guy has missed a ton of games and I hope he can get it together. I think the guy can do it if he stays focused but with this white coaching staff it might be tough for him right now its all fun and games . But once game time starts and we get behind is haley going to stick with this guy to be a pass blocker is LJ going to step his game up from previous years when he would not block for his life? If so LJ will stay on my bad side I hope he comes through for the team and I can care less if he breaks the record as long as we win those games.

FOUR F'S FIND UM FEEL UM FUGUM FORGET UM.

by sexassassin on Aug 3, 2009 8:40 PM CDT reply actions

"I hope he comes through for the team..."

I agree…I could care less if he breaks the record too. And while that may be a goal for LJ, it also SOUNDS like he’s set several personal goals and has bought into the TEAM mentality and goals they have set for themselves. As LJ said, “…most importantly for the team.” In HS we had a big wooden plaque on the wall above the lockers that said, “TEAM…Together Everyone Achieves More.” I think that’s something that Haley has brought to this team. He said numerous times, “I want players to be here and who want to be Chiefs” and “make football their highest priority.” In past seasons we saw a group of guys…not a team…who were in it for themselves; whether they wanted all the praise or they just wanted to keep themselves from getting hurt so they could hold out for a new season when the team got on the right track. That’s probably one of the reasons LJ got hurt last year. So many times I saw him hitting the hole with his body turned sideways leaning on the defenders and eventually the bad technique led to an injury…and all because (perhaps) his heart wasn’t in the right place.

Now we can only judge the team based upon what is said. But soon, when the games begin, we’ll see where their hearts truly are. GO Chiefs!!!

The future is ours KC Chiefs fans!!!!!
N. Gift

by giftedchiefsfan on Aug 8, 2009 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions

He wants to win, and he see's a winning attitude now. Let's all hope.

by jcox31mc on Aug 3, 2009 8:43 PM CDT reply actions

If LJ dosen't break the record by week 5 he sucks

he better be good for atleast 80yr per game..

South Side D

by doriang03 on Aug 3, 2009 8:56 PM CDT reply actions

Other then oakland thats alot of tough teams against the run...

I think the worst NFC East team vs the run last year was the Cowboys at 10 or 11 and Baltimore and Philly definetly are top 5 run defenses. The bright spot is that second game, first game vs the Raiders and they did absolutely nothing to improve their run D so LJ will be drooling.

"Success is never ending, failure is never final."

by GenericBrand on Aug 4, 2009 12:26 AM CDT up reply actions