When the NFL's labor dispute was finally resolved on July 25, putting an end to the 18 week and 4 day long work stoppage, players couldn't wait to report to camp in anticipation of returning to the game they love. However, Tennessee Titans running-back Chris Johnson who's been one of the more electric players in the game over the past few seasons has been in no hurry to return to the football field and his team unless they plan on making him one of the wealthiest men in the league. Instead of joining his fellow teammates, Johnson has decided to hold out in hopes of a new lucrative and well deserved contract. And though the organization has made it clear that they plan on making their running back among the highest paid at his position once he reports to camp, the speedy back has something else in mind.
While running back's are listed as the 8th highest-paid position in the NFL, Johnson hopes to put an end to that and says he wants to be among the highest paid players in the game, seeking Quarterback money. For what it's worth, Johnson has the support of the Titans all-time leading rusher Eddie George who called the situation "uncalled for" saying Johnson is the team's best player and ought to be payed. Tennessee's general manager Mike Reinfeldt on the other hand has Titans owner Bud Adams in his corner who says he isn't interfering between the two and their talks, but noted Johnson's absence from camp that is costing him $30,000 each day he doesn't show up, isn't helping his case.
Entering his fourth year in the league, Johnson has made the Pro-Bowl in each of his first three seasons and is only two years removed from becoming only the sixth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single-season when he eclipsed the mark by six yards in 2009. Despite his recent success, CJ is due to make a measly $800,000 in base salary this season which wouldn't even pay for the total of his fines once it's all said and done. With two years remaining on his current deal, there's no question the former NFL Offensive Player of the Year deserves a new contract, but refusing to negotiate at camp in person is only making matters worse.
If Johnson's holdout was to continue on into the regular season, not only would it spell doom for any chances Tennessee may have of making the Playoffs this year, but it could also severally hurt his production given he has to learn the playbook from both his new quarterback (Matt Hasselbeck) and head coach (Mike Munchak). Not to mention, a Titans team without their star running back would put a sizable dent in fantasy leagues throughout the interwebs granted he's considered by many as the number one overall pick as I took him last season. But if I'm Johnson, I'm calling the front offices' bluff for the sole fact that they need him to help fill seats more than he needs them.
You might recall that Johnson went as far as saying he wanted to be the first "black face" of the NFL following his standout 2009 campaign. And if he's still trying to accomplish that, the only thing the holdout has done during his journey is given him a black eye so far.
Although the issue in Tennessee has received the most buzz and criticism, Johnson wasn't the only one playing hooky this preseason. Among him was fellow running back Frank Gore of the San Francisco 49ers and wide-receiver DeShawn Jackson of the Philadelphia Eagles, both of whom started off the preseason in holdout formation, but have since reported to team practices despite not yet signing a new contract.
Over or Under: A deal between Johnson and the Titans gets worked out before the start of the regular season. (Comment below)
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