Chris Johnson: Thoughts on Departure from Biggest Supporter

Dec 8, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) rushes on fourth down in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

As I sit here on this beautiful Sunday and look out my balcony window, I find that I can finally reflect on the Chris Johnson decision in the most professional and appropriate way that I will be able to do.

Yes, I knew this looming decision was going to happen – it was a matter of when not if.   Just because this decision was made doesn’t mean I agree with it.  Since the decision was announced, I have sat around and looked at many different articles and opinions on the matter and figured it was time to share mine.

The Tennessee Titans will strongly regret this decision.

Every bridge between CJ and the Titans organization had been burnt and it was time for the sides to split.  CJ’s name has been subject to these release talks the last two seasons, but the third season of talks will be the final.

Johnson did himself no favors in receiving pity because he always “talked” during the offseason and set very high expectations for himself. However, I feel that Johnson was held to an unrealistic set of expectations due to him achieving that 2,006-yard rushing season in 2009.  CJ held out to get the big contract he wanted and thought he deserved, but never came close to those numbers again.

Johnson is one of very few running backs to hit 1,000 yards in his first six seasons.

While the majority of Titans fans became very critical of CJ’s play over the last couple seasons, I wonder if they stopped to think about how much they cheered and praised him during his historical year in 2009?

The Titans still have plenty of cap space to work with for 2014, and at this point, I really wanted to see what CJ could do in Ken Whisenhunt‘s new system.  It does not matter who the Titans get to “replace” CJ, we will be taking a tremendous step backwards at running back.

The most frustrating part about what I have read the last couple days is that after his release a lot of Titans players expressed their support for him and how he was a good teammate on and off the field.  If these players would’ve defended him when trade and release talks started to heat up, then it’s possible that the fractured relationship could’ve worked out.

Mark my words: Johnson will be an All-Pro running back again on a new team.

Everyone has their right to like or dislike who they want, but Chris Johnson will go down as one of the best Titans to ever wear the uniform.  I personally wish him the best of luck with his new team and will continue to cheer for him on Sundays.