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Arizona Cardinals’ Chris Johnson chasing final goal

By Jim Koch

Nov 22, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson (23) runs with the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Chris Johnson (23) runs with the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Despite individual accomplishments Chris Johnson hopes for a Super Bowl ring with the Arizona Cardinals

It was late November of 2015. The Arizona Cardinals had just lost starting running back Chris Johnson to a knee injury. The veteran was well on his way to a 1000-yard rushing season. He had already given the club way more than they bargained for when they signed him last August.

As depressing as the news was on the injury front, all was not lost. IF the Cards were to reach the Super Bowl, Johnson would come off of injured-reserve (designated for return) just in time to play in what would’ve been the biggest game of his career. As we all know the team came up short and Johnson’s time in the desert was possibly over.

In Johnson’s absence rookie David Johnson flashed star ability. So much so that he was anointed “bell cow” heading into the 2016 offseason. Chris Johnson would once again be entering unrestricted free agency. He would be looking to parlay his success in 2015 into a starting job and better-money contract elsewhere.

He seemingly had found that when he was offered a multi-year deal to play for the Miami Dolphins. The Cardinals did want him back though. But with the potential David Johnson had shown, the Cards would only be offering another one-year deal.

In a bit of a shocker, “CJ2K” opted to accept the Cards deal. Not only was it only for one year but it was for roughly half the money Miami offered. In an age of player greed, Johnson taking less for a better chance at winning was refreshing.

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Loyalty may have played a role in his decision as well. In March, while driving in a car, Johnson was shot in the shoulder. Another passenger in the car, a good friend of his, was killed. Not an incident you want to be involved while searching for work in the NFL.

Every team in the league appeared to be scared off by the shooting. Why would Johnson be involved in such an ugly altercation?

But the Cardinals were willing to take a chance. Not a big one mind you, only a one-year deal for very little guaranteed money. But an opportunity nonetheless.

Which brings us to this season. Despite David Johnson being the starter there should be plenty of opportunities for Chris to make his share of plays.

So despite individual accomplishments along the way (He had a 2000-yard rushing season and made three Pro Bowls as a member of the Tennessee Titans), there’s one thing that has eluded the ninth year veteran; a Super Bowl ring.

Johnson sees an opportunity for that in Arizona. He’s not the only one, the Cards are bona fide contenders in every sense of the word. Here’s hoping it all pays off in the end.

 

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