Chris Johnson receives major Hall of Fame endorsements
Former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson has his eyes set on Canton in 2023. The 37-year old Titans legend was nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2023 earlier this year, and now the man called "CJ2K" has endorsements to help his cause. Johnson was in attendance for "legends weekend" this […]
Former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson has his eyes set on Canton in 2023. The 37-year old Titans legend was nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2023 earlier this year, and now the man called "CJ2K" has endorsements to help his cause.
Johnson was in attendance for "legends weekend" this past Sunday, where he reunited in Nashville with some of the best names in the history of the Titans/Oilers franchise.
Along the way, Johnson met up with Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon and fellow Hall of Fame nominee Eddie George, and received a ringing endorsement of his career accolades.
"We're looking for the next Hall of Famer right here," Moon said of Johnson. "One of the most electrifying players to ever play in the National Football League. He needs to be in the Hall of Fame."
While Johnson is the self proclaimed "best home run hitter" to ever do it, he's not alone in his claims. Eddie George, who is also hoping to get a gold jacket this year, validated that statement.
"There's no player that could hit the home run like this dude," George says. "I had a chance to watch him his rookie year, and I knew off the bat. One of the greatest to ever do it, CJ2K deserves to be in the Hall of Fame."
Johnson's 9,651 career rushing yards may not measure up to the typical number for a Hall of Fame running back, but it's hard to argue against his reign of dominance.
Much like another franchise great, Earl Campbell, Johnson's case for Canton is rooted in being one of the most dominant offensive players in football for a period of time, rather than career longevity.
From 2008 to 2013 (his six seasons in Tennessee), Johnson tallied more rushing yards (7,965) and total yards from scrimmage (9,968) than any player in the NFL not named Adrian Peterson (8,774 and 10,203).
That's a six year stretch with Johnson at the very top of the game. His greatness is also reflected in three pro bowls, an all-pro selection, and the NFL AP Offensive Player of the Year Award in 2009 for his historic 2,000 yard season.
It's hard to find a game or a name more iconic than CJ2K.
The nominee list will be cut to 25 semi-finalists in November; with 15 finalists to be revealed in early January.
Image via Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports