Happy Trails, Old Stud ~ Larry Johnson

His career is completely finished. To start the 2009 season, he was a starter who was a featured RB in Kansas City, until his now infamous gay-slurring remarks. He is now employed very tentatively by the Bengals, and he is splitting backup RB duties with Bernard Scott and Brian Leonard. I was savvy enough to avoid him in all of my leagues this year, and for that matter, the only time I owned him was in his breakout year of 2005 as a 10th round pick. My disdain for him was inspired by, not only his blatant futility this year, but also his so-called renewed committment to the Chiefs, before the season, and to being a workhorse RB.

His legacy (on the field) will all be based on his 2005 and 2006 seasons, when he totaled 3539 rushing yards on 752 attempts for a 4.7 average per carry and 37 TDs, and 753 receiving yards on 74 catches for a 10.2 average per catch and 3 TDs. That's 4292 yards and 40 TDs over 25 starts. After getting completely ran into the ground, by his own request, in 2006 with an NFL record 416 carries and a grand total of 457 touches, he predictably had a season-ending injury (sprained foot) in the middle of his 2007 campaign, after already having a rough start to that season. Furthermore, his offensive line, which was considered one of the best in NFL history who helped Priest Holmes achieve fantasy glory, setting team and NFL records, started to fall apart with All-Pro left tackle Willie Roaf retiring before the 2006 season and All-Pro guard Will Shields retiring before the 2007 season. Also, trading Trent Green to Miami before the 2007 season allowed defenses to stack the box, not being threatened by the likes of Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard. The end results of all this trading, retirement, and injuries were a big part of LJ's miserable performances in 2008 and into this season.

Unfortunately, Larry Johnson's value was pretty low before this season started, and now resides in the cellar now that his renewed commitment coming into this season has meant nothing, and he has been left to rot as nothing more than a thirdish-string RB. His career is finished.

If you are a Larry Johnson owner in any league (redraft, keeper, or dynasty) don't be afraid to release him if a better option pops up on the waiver wire. He certainly won't help anyone win a Championship anymore, and I wouldn't even trust him as a desperate injury replacement if Cedric Benson misses one of these final games. Since he is now 30 years old and has that 416 carry season under his belt, it is time to wish him...

"Happy trails, Larry. Thank you for the memories of your magical 2005 season, and your workhorse 2006 season. Also, thank you for giving renewed meaning to the phrase 'think before you speak.' Unfortunately, your career may not be remembered for those 2005 and 2006 seasons, but something tells me you don't care."