Titans RB Chris Johnson inducted into Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame
Former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson was asked on the red carpet at the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony Saturday night if it was OK to still call him CJ2K.
“It will always be okay to call me that,” he said with a big smile.
Johnson earned the nickname “Rhythmist” 15 years ago after accomplishing a remarkable feat only achieved by seven other NFL players. During the 2009 season, he rushed for more than 2,000 yards and was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year and an All-Pro.
Such a rare feat contributed significantly to Johnson becoming the youngest member of the 2024 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame and, at age 38, one of the youngest ever inducted.
“I went into the last game knowing how many yards I needed to get to 2,000, and when I got to the meeting with Coach Jeff Fisher, the whole coaching staff, the whole team was behind me,” Johnson said at the Omni Nashville Hotel. “They supported me. Everyone did everything they could to help me get to 2,000 yards.”
Johnson, who has never made a secret of his desire to become an NFL megastar, surpassed the 2,000-yard mark with 2,006 yards after rushing for 134 yards on 36 carries in a 17-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks. In the first half, he broke Earl Campbell’s franchise record for most rushing yards in a season (1,934).
Johnson gathered on the field after the game with his offensive linemen, fellow running back LenDale White and running backs coach Earnest Byner to take a photo and mark the memorable occasion. He later purchased watches engraved with “2000-Yard Season” for the starting offensive linemen and tight end Alge Crumpler.
OJ Simpson of the Buffalo Bills was the first player to rush for 2,000 yards in 1973. The youngest player to do so was Derrick Henry in 2020, making the Titans the only team with two 2,000-yard runners.
The franchise has long been known for producing outstanding running backs, and Johnson said he was honored to be among the best of that group. With 7,965 career yards, he is the franchise’s fourth-leading runner all-time behind Eddie George (10,009), Henry (9,502) and Campbell (8,574).
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“You see questions all the time on the internet like, ‘Who has the best running backs as a franchise of all time?'” Johnson said. “When you have guys like Earl Campbell, Eddie George, Derrick Henry and myself, I think we’re the best. To be part of that group is incredible.”
Johnson said he is very close to those three players, as well as White. Johnson and White have established themselves as a “smash and dash,” and Johnson is quick to give credit to White for helping him be as productive as he has been on the field.
“CJ is my best friend, but more than that, he’s like a brother. He’s family,” said White, who attended Johnson’s induction ceremony. “I’m amazed at what his life has become. I’m blessed and grateful to be his friend. I can’t imagine not being here tonight, looking back at our time on the field – smash and dash, the combination.”
Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 or at X @MikeOrganWriter.
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