View source for Larry Johnson (running back)

{{Short description|American football player (born 1979)}}
{{Distinguish|Larry Johnson (American football coach)|Larry Johnson (linebacker)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name        = Larry Johnson
| image       = Larry Johnson KC Chiefs.jpg
| alt         =
| caption     = Johnson in 2006
| number      = 34, 27, 23
| position    = [[Running back]]
| birth_date  = {{Birth date and age|1979|11|19|mf=y}}
| birth_place = [[State College, Pennsylvania]], U.S.
| death_date  = 
| death_place = 
| height_ft   = 6
| height_in   = 1
| weight_lb   = 235
| high_school = [[State College Area High School|State College Area]]
| college     = [[Penn State Nittany Lions football|Penn State]] (1998–2002)
| draftyear   = 2003
| draftround  = 1
| draftpick   = 27
| pastteams   =
* [[Kansas City Chiefs]] ({{NFL Year|2003|2009}})
* [[Cincinnati Bengals]] ({{NFL Year|2009}})
* [[Washington Commanders|Washington Redskins]] ({{NFL Year|2010}})
* [[Miami Dolphins]] ({{NFL Year|2011}})
| highlights  =
* First-team [[All-Pro]] ([[2006 All-Pro Team|2006]])
* Second-team All-Pro ([[2005 All-Pro Team|2005]])
* 2× [[Pro Bowl]] ([[2006 Pro Bowl|2005]], [[2007 Pro Bowl|2006]])
* [[Maxwell Award]] (2002)
* [[Walter Camp Award]] (2002)
* [[Doak Walker Award]] (2002)
* [[Touchdown Club of Columbus#Jim Brown Trophy|Jim Brown Trophy]] (2002)
* [[List of unanimous All-Americans in college football|Unanimous All-American]] ([[2002 College Football All-America Team|2002]])
* First-team [[List of All-Big Ten Conference football teams|All-Big Ten]] ([[2002 All-Big Ten Conference football team|2002]])
;NFL record
* 416 rush attempts in a single season (2006)
| statlabel1  = [[Rushing yards]]
| statvalue1  = 6,223
| statlabel2  = [[Average|Rushing average]]
| statvalue2  = 4.4
| statlabel3  = [[Touchdown|Rushing touchdowns]]
| statvalue3  = 55
| statlabel4  = [[Reception (gridiron football)|Receptions]]
| statvalue4  = 154
| statlabel5  = [[Receiving yards]]
| statvalue5  = 1,373
| statlabel6  = [[Touchdown|Receiving touchdowns]]
| statvalue6  = 6
| pfr         = JohnLa00 
}}

'''Larry Alphonso Johnson Jr.''' (born November 19, 1979) is an American former professional [[American football|football]] player who was a [[running back]] in the [[National Football League]] (NFL). He played [[college football]] for the [[Penn State Nittany Lions football|Penn State Nittany Lions]], winning the [[Maxwell Award]] and earning [[List of unanimous All-Americans in college football|unanimous All-American]] honors in 2002. He was selected by the [[Kansas City Chiefs]] in the first round of the [[2003 NFL draft]], and also played for the [[Cincinnati Bengals]], the [[Washington Commanders|Washington Redskins]], and the [[Miami Dolphins]].

==Early life==
Johnson was born in [[State College, Pennsylvania]]. He was one of three children born to Christine and [[Larry Johnson (American football coach)|Larry Johnson Sr.]] His father is a former high school vice-principal, a [[high school football]] coach, former defensive line coach at [[Penn State University]], and the current defensive line coach at [[Ohio State University]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/johnson_larry00.html |title=Coach Bio: Football: Larry Johnson |work=Gopsusports.cstv.com |access-date=November 28, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090222235024/http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/johnson_larry00.html |archive-date=February 22, 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Johnson graduated from [[State College Area High School]] in [[State College, Pennsylvania]], where he played for the State College Little Lions high school football team.

==College career==
Johnson attended [[Pennsylvania State University]], and played for coach [[Joe Paterno]]'s [[Penn State Nittany Lions football]] team from 1999 to 2002. As a senior in 2002, he rushed for over 2,000 yards in a season without winning the [[Heisman Trophy]], despite doing so with fewer carries than any other running back in the 2,000-yard club (this record was broken on November 22, 2014, by [[Wisconsin Badgers football|Wisconsin's]] [[Melvin Gordon]], who gained 2,000 yards on 241 carries—10 fewer than Johnson's 251<ref>{{cite web|last1=Huguenin|first1=Mike|title=Melvin Gordon fastest in FBS history to reach 2,000-yard mark|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/melvin-gordon-fastest-in-fbs-history-to-reach-2-000-yard-mark-0ap3000000432272|website=NFL.com}}</ref>). He averaged 8.0 yards per carry during the regular season. Johnson broke the Penn State record for [[rush (gridiron football)|rushing]] yards in a game three times in 2002. His 257 yards in a 49–0 home thrashing of [[Northwestern Wildcats football|Northwestern]] broke [[Curt Warner]]'s previous record of 256 yards set against [[Syracuse University|Syracuse]] in 1981. He then went on to rack up 279 yards in an 18–7 home win against [[Illinois Fighting Illini football|Illinois]] and 327 yards in a 58–25 road win against [[Indiana Hoosiers football|Indiana]]. He surpassed the 2,000-yard mark by gaining 279 yards on just 19 attempts in the Penn State Nittany Lions' final [[Big Ten Conference]] game against [[Michigan State Spartans football|Michigan State]]. Johnson gained all 279 of his rushing yards in the first half, and was kept on the bench for the entire second half of the game. He finished the 2002 season with 2,087 yards.

Following his 2002 senior season, Johnson was a first-team All-Big Ten selection and a unanimous first-team All-American.<ref>''2011 NCAA Football Records Book'', [http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2011/Awards.pdf  Award Winners], National Collegiate Athletic Association, Indianapolis, Indiana, p. 11 (2011). Retrieved June 22, 2012.</ref> He also won the [[Doak Walker Award]] (top running back), the [[Maxwell Award]] (top college player), and the [[Walter Camp Award]] (top college player). Johnson rushed for 2,159 yards and 29 [[touchdown]]s.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web|url=http://www.kcchiefs.com/player/larry_johnson/ |title=Larry Johnson player page |work=Kansas City Chiefs Official website |access-date=November 28, 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080822142445/http://www.kcchiefs.com/player/larry_johnson/ <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = August 22, 2008}}</ref>
He earned a [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree in integrative arts from Penn State in 2002.

===College statistics===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! rowspan="2"| Season
! rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| GP
! colspan="4"| Rushing
! colspan="3"| Receiving
|-
! Att !! Yards !! Avg !! TD !! Rec !! Yds !! TD
|-
! [[1999 NCAA Division I FBS football season|1999]] || [[1999 Penn State Nittany Lions football team|Penn State]]
| 12 || 43 || 171 || 4.0 || 1 || 4 || 74 || 1
|-
! [[2001 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2000]] || [[2000 Penn State Nittany Lions football team|Penn State]]
| 12 || 75 || 358 || 4.8 || 3 || 9 || 122 || 1
|-
! [[2001 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2001]] || [[2001 Penn State Nittany Lions football team|Penn State]]
| 12 || 71 || 337 || 4.7 || 2 || 11 || 136 || 2
|-
! [[2002 NCAA Division I FBS football season|2002]] || [[2002 Penn State Nittany Lions football team|Penn State]]
| 12 || 271 || 2,087 || 7.7 || 20 || 41 || 349 || 3
|-
! colspan="2"| College<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/larry-johnson-1.html|title=Larry Johnson College Stats|website=[[Sports Reference]]}}</ref> || 48 || 460 || 2,953 || 6.4 || 26 || 65 || 681 || 7
|}

==Professional career==

===Kansas City Chiefs===
====2003–06====
Johnson was chosen in the first round with the 27th overall pick of the [[2003 NFL draft]] as insurance for the [[Kansas City Chiefs]], who were unsure if [[Priest Holmes]] would be healthy or even sign a contract extension.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2003 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2003/draft.htm |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Johnson was drafted over the objection of head coach [[Dick Vermeil]], who wanted to select a defensive player,<ref name="auto4">{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=1887031|title=Diaper rash: Vermeil angers back|date=September 23, 2004|website=ESPN}}</ref> and despite the lack of recent NFL success by Penn State running backs ([[Blair Thomas]], [[Ki-Jana Carter]], and [[Curtis Enis]]). Vermeil criticized Johnson for his casual approach toward preparation.<ref name="auto4"/> The conflicts between Johnson and Vermeil grew, and in [[2004 NFL season|2004]] Vermeil said that Johnson needed to grow up and "take the diapers off."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/chiefs/2004-09-24-vermeil-apology_x.htm |title=Vermeil apologizes for Johnson 'diaper' remark |work=USA Today  |date=September 24, 2004 |access-date=November 28, 2008}}</ref>

Johnson took great offense to this comment, and the public estrangement led to rumors that he would be traded. However, towards the end of the 2004 season, Johnson got an opportunity to start after injuries to [[Priest Holmes]] and [[Derrick Blaylock]].

Facing the same situation in [[2005 NFL season|2005]], with Blaylock gone and Holmes having gone down with a season-ending neck injury in early November, Johnson on November 20 against the [[Houston Texans]] ran for a Chiefs' record 211 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He led the league in rushing yards and touchdowns after the injury to Holmes.

[[file:Larry Johnson Chiefs.jpg|thumb|Johnson in a game in 2006]]
At the end of the 2005 regular season, Johnson had nine consecutive games with 100+ rushing yards, passing the 100-yard mark in every start for the Chiefs that season and earning a [[Pro Bowl]] berth.<ref name=autogenerated1 /> During the final game of the 2005 regular season, Johnson set a new franchise record of 1,750 rushing yards in one season, despite not starting in 7 games during the season. In addition Johnson caught 33 passes for 343 yards, averaging over 10 yards per reception. Johnson was named the 2005 MVP for the Chiefs. The Chiefs' record in 2005 was 10–6, but they did not make the playoffs in spite of a winning record.

With injuries limiting Holmes during the previous two seasons, Johnson began the [[2006 NFL season|2006 season]] as Kansas City's featured back. He rushed for 1,789 yards (second in the league) on 416 carries, an NFL record for most carries in a season. The Chiefs made an appearance in the [[NFL playoffs, 2006–07|playoffs]] with a 9–7 record, where Johnson ran for 32 yards on 13 carries against the [[Indianapolis Colts]]. At the conclusion of the season, Johnson was selected for his second Pro Bowl appearance.

====2007–09====
On June 21, 2007, Johnson stated that he was willing to sit out the Chiefs' training camp unless he and the Chiefs reached an agreement on a new contract. On July 22, rumors spread about Johnson being traded to the [[Green Bay Packers]]. The initial asking price was a first-, second-, and third-round [[NFL draft|draft pick]].<ref name="Johnson says training">Whitlock, Jason. [http://www.kansascity.com/sports/columnists/jason_whitlock/story/158912.html "Larry Johnson says training camp holdout is possible"] ''Kansas City Star'', D1, June 21, 2007.</ref> Starting on July 27 with the beginning of training camp, he began a holdout during which he was fined $14,000 per day by the team, and did not report to training camp until nearly a month later when he and the team agreed to a five-year contract extension that locked Johnson up with the Chiefs through the 2012 season.<ref name="Johnson ends holdout, Joins Chiefs at practice">[http://www.kansascity.com/sports/story/240697.html LJ ends holdout, joins Chiefs at practice] ''Kansas City Star'', August 21, 2007.</ref> As a result of the extension, Johnson was the highest-paid running back in the NFL based on average salary per year. His new contract covered six years and was to pay him $45 million, with $19 million in guaranteed money—the biggest contract in Chiefs history.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}

In week 9 of the [[2007 NFL season|2007 regular season]], Johnson was sidelined late in the 4th quarter against the [[Green Bay Packers]] with a foot injury. The injury was season-ending; Johnson did not see any playing time in the rest of the 2007 season, and was placed on the [[injured reserve list]].<ref name="Chiefs finally shelve Larry Johnson with lingering foot injury">{{cite web|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20071225/news_1s25nflnotes.html|title=Chiefs finally shelve Larry Johnson with lingering foot injury|access-date=May 3, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528070008/http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20071225/news_1s25nflnotes.html|archive-date=May 28, 2008}}</ref> Johnson ended the season with 559 yards on 158 attempts, and only three rushing touchdowns.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6363 |title=Larry Johnson – Kansas City Chiefs – NFL player profile|work=yahoo.com |access-date=November 28, 2008}}</ref>

[[file:081116Saints-Chiefs02 (cropped).jpg|thumb|Johnson lining up in the [[Wildcat formation]] in 2008]]
In Johnson's first regular season game since his injury, he rushed for 74 yards on 22 carries with an average of 3.4 yards per carry against the [[New England Patriots]] on September 7, 2008. The Chiefs lost the game 17–10.<ref name="FOX Sports on MSN - NFL - Game Trax">{{cite web|url=http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/gameTrax?gameId=20080907017|title=FOX Sports on MSN – NFL – Game Trax|date=September 7, 2008|access-date=September 9, 2008}}</ref> After a loss to the [[Oakland Raiders]] the following week, Johnson spoke out about his low number of carries.<ref name="Disgruntled Chiefs running back Larry Johnson speaks out yet again">{{cite web|url=http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5hVizaMXM6u94cCNJCLl7pbmGKv1Q |title=Disgruntled Chiefs running back Larry Johnson speaks out yet again |date=September 14, 2008 |publisher=The Canadian Press |access-date=October 1, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080918210030/http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5hVizaMXM6u94cCNJCLl7pbmGKv1Q |archive-date=September 18, 2008 }}</ref> In his next two games, Johnson rushed for a combined 319 yards on 52 attempts with an average of 6.1 yards per carry.

Johnson was suspended for the Chiefs' game against the [[Tennessee Titans]] on October 18 for violating team rules.<ref>{{cite web
| title = Source: Johnson's discipline in response to pattern of behavior
|publisher=ESPN
| date = October 16, 2008
| url = https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3647097
| access-date =October 16, 2008 }}</ref> Johnson also was benched for the following game against the [[New York Jets]]. Johnson, after weeks of being inactive for the Chiefs, was suspended by league commissioner [[Roger Goodell]] for the team's week 10 game against the [[San Diego Chargers]], for violating the league's personal conduct policy, after he was charged with simple assault for allegedly spitting his drink in a woman's face (the fourth time in five years he had been accused of assaulting a woman), and as he awaited a court date for allegedly pushing another woman's face.<ref name="auto5">{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3675871|title=Chiefs back Johnson suspended for Week 10|date=October 31, 2008|website=ESPN.com}}</ref><ref name="NFL suspends Larry Johnson for Week 10">{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/chiefs/2008-10-31-larry-johnson-suspension_N.htm|title=NFL suspends Larry Johnson for Week 10|date=October 31, 2008|work=USA Today|access-date=May 6, 2009}}</ref> The suspension cost him $147,000; one game check.<ref name="auto5"/> He finished the season with 874 yards and five touchdowns.

Johnson's [[2009 NFL season|2009 season]] got off to a very slow start, despite Johnson keeping his starting job. As of week 8, he had 132 attempts for only 358 yards. His 2.7 yards per carry were the worst of any NFL running back with at least 70 carries.

On October 27, 2009, the Chiefs "instructed Larry to refrain from practicing with the Chiefs or participating in other team activities" for his Twitter comments on Chiefs' head coach [[Todd Haley]] and reportedly using [[gay slur]]s when he addressed the media.<ref name="trouble">{{cite web|url=http://blogs.nfl.com/2009/10/27/chiefs-suspend-johnson-indefinitely/ |title=Chiefs suspend Johnson indefinitely |date=October 27, 2009 |access-date=October 27, 2009}}</ref> Because of his comments, Johnson encountered backlash from the [[GLAAD|Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation]].<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://www.essence.com/news_entertainment/entertainment/articles/say_what_larry_johnson_uses_antigay_slurs |title=Say What?: Larry Johnson Uses Anti-Gay Slurs |journal=Essence |date=October 27, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091108102819/http://www1.essence.com/news_entertainment/entertainment/articles/say_what_larry_johnson_uses_antigay_slurs |archive-date=November 8, 2009 }}</ref> Johnson's Twitter comments were: "My father got more credentials than most of these pro coaches." That was followed by: "My father played for the coach from "remember the titans". Our coach played golf. My father played for redskins briefley. Our coach. Nuthn."<ref name="slur">{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4596288|title=Chiefs' Johnson tweets Haley slam, gay slurs|date=October 26, 2009|website=ESPN}}</ref> Johnson's tweets were responded to by fans, one tweet including a reference to his nightclub incident. Johnson's response used the word "[[Faggot (slang)|fag]]". The final post read: "Make me regret it. Lmao. U don't stop my checks. Lmao. So 'tweet' away."<ref name="slur" /> Johnson subsequently said about the incidents, "First of all, I want to apologize to the fans of the Kansas City Chiefs and the rest of the NFL, Commissioner Goodell, the Chiefs organization, Coach Todd Haley, his staff, and my teammates for the words I used yesterday. I regret my actions. The words were used by me in frustration, and they were not appropriate."<ref name="trouble" />

On October 28, 2009, the Chiefs suspended Johnson until November 9 for "conduct detrimental to the club".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/2009/10/28/chiefs_suspend_rb_larry_johnson |title= Kansas City Chiefs - Chiefs Suspend RB Larry Johnson|website=www.kcchiefs.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100113075031/http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/2009/10/28/chiefs_suspend_rb_larry_johnson/ |archive-date=January 13, 2010}}</ref> They ultimately agreed to a deal with his agent, Peter Schaffer, in which he would only lose one game check ($300,000).<ref name="NYTRelease">Batista, Judy. "[https://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/10/sports/football/10chiefs.html Chiefs release Larry Johnson]". ''[[The New York Times]]'', November 10, 2009.</ref> At the time of the suspension, Johnson was only 75 yards from passing [[Priest Holmes]] as the franchise's all-time leading rusher. This angered several fans, who started a petition demanding that the Chiefs either deactivate, release, or waive him. The petition said that Johnson "has never represented anything close to the values that we have for our Chiefs" and thus did not deserve the record.<ref>"[https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4622503 Fans don't want Johnson to get record]". [[ESPN]], November 4, 2009.</ref>

On November 9, the day Johnson was due to return from his suspension, the Chiefs waived him. Reportedly, the final straw for Chiefs general manager [[Scott Pioli]] was yet another tweet in which Johnson belittled a fan for making less money than he made. Johnson's agent, Schaffer, issued the following statement: "A part of him is excited and a part of him is very regretful. There's a lot of feelings going on right now. It's analogous to breaking up with a girlfriend. Maybe you saw it coming, but it still hurts when it happens."<ref name="NYTRelease"/>

===Cincinnati Bengals===
In November 2009, Johnson signed with the [[Cincinnati Bengals]]<ref name="bengals">{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4660283|title=Sources: Johnson expects to sign with Bengals|date=November 16, 2009|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> for the prorated league minimum pay. Johnson served as backup to starting running back [[Cedric Benson]]. In the Bengals week 12 win over the Browns, Johnson rushed for 107 yards, his only 100-yard game of the season.

===Washington Redskins===
Johnson signed a three-year contract worth up to $12 million with the [[Washington Redskins]] as an unrestricted [[free agent]] on March 12, 2010. He played for former [[Denver Broncos]] coach [[Mike Shanahan]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/03/12/sports/AP-FBN-Redskins-LJohnson.html|title=RB Larry Johnson Signs With Redskins|date=March 12, 2010|agency=Associated Press|work=The New York Times|access-date=March 12, 2010}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> On September 21, 2010, Johnson was released by the Redskins.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/09/21/larry-johnson-gets-the-boot-in-washington/ |title=Larry Johnson gets the boot in Washington &#124; ProFootballTalk |publisher=Profootballtalk.nbcsports.com |date=September 21, 2010 |access-date=August 15, 2012}}</ref>

===Miami Dolphins===
In July of 2011, Johnson [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-Gju6Q0XWU went on a local radio station] in Florida and predicted that he would be signed to the Miami Dolphins. 

On August 23, 2011, Johnson signed with the [[Miami Dolphins]]. On September 3, the Dolphins terminated Johnson's contract during final roster cuts. He rushed for 46 yards and one touchdown on 12 carries in the 2011 preseason. However, he was re-signed on September 8 after an injury to [[Daniel Thomas (running back)|Daniel Thomas]]. He was released following the Dolphins' week 2 loss to the [[Houston Texans]], when he ran the ball only once for a two-yard gain.

==NFL career statistics==
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="2"| Legend
|-
| style="background:#e0cef2; width:3em;"|
| NFL record
|-
| style="width:3em;"|'''Bold'''
| Career high
|}

===Regular season===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team
! colspan="2"| Games
! colspan="5"| Rushing
! colspan="5"| Receiving
! colspan="2"| Fumbles
|-
! {{abbr|GP|Games played}} !! {{abbr|GS|Games started}} !! {{abbr|Att|Rushing attempts}} !! {{abbr|Yds|Rushing yards}} !! {{abbr|Y/A|Yards per rushing attempt}} !! {{abbr|Lng|Longest rushing attempt}} !! {{abbr|TD|Rushing touchdowns}} !! {{abbr|Rec|Receptions}} !! {{abbr|Yds|Receiving yards}} !! {{abbr|Y/R|Yards per reception}} !! {{abbr|Lng|Longest reception}} !! {{abbr|TD|Receiving touchdowns}} !! {{abbr|Fum|Fumbles}} !! {{abbr|Lost|Fumbles lost}}
|-
! [[2003 NFL season|2003]] !! [[2003 Kansas City Chiefs season|KC]]
| 6 || 0 || 20 || 85 || 4.3 || 15 || 1 || 1 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2004 NFL season|2004]] !! [[2004 Kansas City Chiefs season|KC]]
| 10 || 3 || 120 || 581 || 4.8 || 46T || 9 || 22 || 278 || '''12.6''' || 40 || '''2''' || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2005 NFL season|2005]] !! [[2005 Kansas City Chiefs season|KC]]
| '''16''' || 9 || 336 || 1,750 || '''5.2''' || 49T || '''20''' || 33 || 343 || 10.4 || 36 || 1 || '''5''' || '''4'''
|-
! [[2006 NFL season|2006]] !! [[2006 Kansas City Chiefs season|KC]]
| '''16''' || '''16''' || style="background:#e0cef2;"| '''416''' || '''1,789''' || 4.3 || 47 || 17 || '''41''' || '''410''' || 10.0 || '''78''' || '''2''' || 2 || 2
|-
! [[2007 NFL season|2007]] !! [[2007 Kansas City Chiefs season|KC]]
| 8 || 8 || 158 || 559 || 3.5 || 54 || 3 || 30 || 186 || 6.2 || 30T || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[2008 NFL season|2008]] !! [[2008 Kansas City Chiefs season|KC]]
| 12 || 12 || 193 || 874 || 4.5 || '''65''' || 5 || 12 || 74 || 6.2 || 20 || 0 || '''5''' || 1
|-
! rowspan="2"|[[2009 NFL season|2009]] !! [[2009 Kansas City Chiefs season|KC]]
| 7 || 7 || 132 || 377 || 2.9 || 19 || 0 || 12 || 76 || 6.3 || 22 || 0 || 2 || 1
|-
! [[2009 Cincinnati Bengals season|CIN]]
| 7 || 0 || 46 || 204 || 4.4 || 27 || 0 || 3 || 4 || 1.3 || 6 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2010 NFL season|2010]] !! [[2010 Washington Redskins season|WAS]]
| 2 || 0 || 5 || 2 || 0.4 || 7 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[2011 NFL season|2011]] !! [[2011 Miami Dolphins season|MIA]]
| 1 || 0 || 1 || 2 || 2.0 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JohnLa00.htm Career] !! 85 !! 55 !! 1,427 !! 6,223 !! 4.4 !! 65 !! 55 !! 154 !! 1,373 !! 8.9 !! 78 !! 6 !! 15 !! 9
|}

===Postseason===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Team
! colspan="2"| Games
! colspan="5"| Rushing
! colspan="5"| Receiving
! colspan="2"| Fumbles
|-
! {{abbr|GP|Games played}} !! {{abbr|GS|Games started}} !! {{abbr|Att|Rushing attempts}} !! {{abbr|Yds|Rushing yards}} !! {{abbr|Y/A|Yards per rushing attempt}} !! {{abbr|Lng|Longest rushing attempt}} !! {{abbr|TD|Rushing touchdowns}} !! {{abbr|Rec|Receptions}} !! {{abbr|Yds|Receiving yards}} !! {{abbr|Y/R|Yards per reception}} !! {{abbr|Lng|Longest reception}} !! {{abbr|TD|Receiving touchdowns}} !! {{abbr|Fum|Fumbles}} !! {{abbr|Lost|Fumbles lost}}
|-
! [[2006–07 NFL playoffs|2006]] !! [[2006 Kansas City Chiefs season|KC]]
| 1 || 1 || 13 || 32 || 2.5 || 6 || 0 || 5 || 29 || 5.8 || 13 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! colspan="2"| [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JohnLa00/gamelog/post/ Career] !! 1 !! 1 !! 13 !! 32 !! 2.5 !! 6 !! 0 !! 5 !! 29 !! 5.8 !! 13 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0
|}

===NFL records===
* Most rushing attempts in a single season: 416 (2006)

===Chiefs franchise records===
* Most career rushing attempts (1,375)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/kan/career-rushing.htm|title=Kansas City Chiefs Career Rushing Leaders|website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>
* Most rushing yards in a single season: 1,789 (2006)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/kan/single-season-rushing.htm|title=Kansas City Chiefs Single-Season Rushing Leaders|website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Johnson and his father, [[Larry Johnson (American football coach)|Larry Sr.]], maintain a close relationship. Johnson's brother and manager, [[Tony Johnson (wide receiver)|Tony Johnson]], is a former starting [[wide receiver]] for Penn State from 2000 to 2003.

Johnson appeared on the cover of the [[PlayStation 2]] game ''[[NCAA GameBreaker 2004]]'' in a Penn State uniform.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}} In 2007, Johnson appeared in [[Fantasia Barrino|Fantasia]]'s music video for the song "[[When I See U]]". Johnson also made an appearance in [[Jay-Z]]'s music video "[[Roc Boys (And the Winner Is)...]]". In October 2013, [[TMZ]] reported that Johnson had been a recurring guest DJ at Miami [[strip club]] [[Tootsie's Cabaret]].<ref>{{cite web | title=Former Chief Larry Johnson is now a DJ at Miami strip club Tootsie's Cabaret | website=The Kansas City Star | date=7 October 2013 | url=https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article328994.html | access-date=14 July 2023}} (subscription required)</ref>

Because of memory loss, [[suicidal impulse]]s, [[mood swing]]s, and headaches, Johnson believes he has [[chronic traumatic encephalopathy]] (which can't be diagnosed until an [[autopsy]] is performed on the brain after death).<ref>Babb, Kent. (December 12, 2017). "[https://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/sports/wp/2017/12/12/ex-nfl-player-larry-johnson-grapples-with-violent-urges-and-memory-loss-he-thinks-its-cte/ Ex-NFL player Larry Johnson grapples with violent urges and memory loss. He thinks it’s CTE]". ''Washington Post'', December 12, 2017. Retrieved December 13, 2017.</ref> Johnson also states that he does not remember playing two seasons.<ref>Ron Dicker. "[https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/ex-nfl-star-cant-remember-two-seasons_us_5a313cb4e4b091ca26848d95 Ex-NFL Star Larry Johnson Can’t Remember Two Whole Seasons. He’s 38.]". ''Huffington Post'', December 13, 2017.</ref> His method of dealing with the trauma is to control his social interactions and spend quality time with his daughter.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/21752899/former-nfl-running-back-larry-johnson-believes-living-cte|title=Ex-NFLer Larry Johnson: I believe I have CTE|date=December 13, 2017|website=ESPN.com}}</ref>

===Controversies===
Since 2020, Johnson has been criticized for posts on his Twitter account including [[antisemitic]] comments such as claiming [[Jews]] worship Satan, and attributing fake quotes to the Bible.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nflnews.org/former-nfl-rb-larry-johnson-defends-desean-jackson-with-a-different-fake-anti-semitic-quote-nfl-news/|title=Former NFL RB Larry Johnson defends DeSean Jackson with a different fake anti-Semitic quote - NFL News|date=July 8, 2020|access-date=July 8, 2020|archive-date=July 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708183617/https://nflnews.org/former-nfl-rb-larry-johnson-defends-desean-jackson-with-a-different-fake-anti-semitic-quote-nfl-news/|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[CNN]] reporter [[Jake Tapper]] called his comments explicitly "[[antisemitic]] garbage",<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1289989418204332032|user=jaketapper|title=Larry Johnson continuing to spread his anti-Semitic garbage. What a disgrace.<!-- full text of tweet that Twitter returned to the bot (excluding links) added by TweetCiteBot. This may be better truncated or may need expanding (TW limits responses to 140 characters) or case changes. --> |date=August 2, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jns.org/former-nfl-running-back-blames-jewish-cabal-for-abuses-in-world/|title=Former NFL running back blames 'Jewish cabal' for abuses in world|date=August 4, 2020|website=JNS.org}}</ref> due to references to a "jewish cabal" and posting alleged quotes regarding "jews toy(ing) with the public as a cat toys with a mouse" or worshipping [satan]."<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1280530913902952452|user=2LarryJohnson7|title=@SeifertESPN @Eagles ...is it still "anti-Semitic" when a Jew says it?<!-- full text of tweet that Twitter returned to the bot (excluding links) added by TweetCiteBot. This may be better truncated or may need expanding (TW limits responses to 140 characters) or case changes. --> |date=July 7, 2020}}</ref> Johnson's tweets have also touched on topics common among [[conspiracy theory]] proponents, including [[freemasonry]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thecomeback.com/nfl/larry-johnson-masons-effeminate-agenda-sports-world.html|title=Ex-NFL RB Larry Johnson blames Masons for "Effeminate agenda"|date=August 29, 2019}}</ref> He frequently tweets conspiracy theories about celebrity deaths, including the death of [[Kobe Bryant]], which he claimed that [[LeBron James]] made a "blood sacrifice" to kill Bryant in exchange for the [[Los Angeles Lakers]] winning the [[2020 NBA Finals]].<ref>{{cite tweet |author=Larry Johnson|user=2LarryJohnson7|number=1315496148153569285 |date=October 11, 2020|title= When a blood sacrifice pays off. Lol. Alexa, what is Gematria?}}</ref> He also claims [[Tom Brady]] and other NFL players are part of the occult, and that the NFL rigs and scripts games.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://brobible.com/sports/article/former-chiefs-rb-larry-johnson-tom-brady-occult/ |title= Former Chiefs RB Larry Johnson Claims The NFL Rigged The Super Bowl For The Bucs Because Tom Brady Is Member Of Occult |website= Bro Bible}}</ref>

==Legal troubles==
Johnson has been arrested at least six times since 2003.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-news-former-kansas-city-chiefs-rb-larry-johnson-is-really-f-ing-upset-with-kareem-hunt-domestic-violence-video/a5ytu0groof61k0ztbx2e3s47|title=Former Chiefs RB Larry Johnson is 'really f—ing upset' with Kareem Hunt|website=sportingnews.com|access-date=September 1, 2020|archive-date=August 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804001800/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-news-former-kansas-city-chiefs-rb-larry-johnson-is-really-f-ing-upset-with-kareem-hunt-domestic-violence-video/a5ytu0groof61k0ztbx2e3s47|url-status=dead}}</ref>  Five of his arrests were on various [[assault]] charges against women, four while he was an active player in the NFL.<ref name="auto1"/>

In December 2003, he was arrested for [[felony]] [[aggravated assault]] and [[misdemeanor]] [[domestic battery]] for slapping and waving a gun at his then-girlfriend as he threatened her, during an argument at his home.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chadiha |first=Jeffri |date=September 4, 2006 |title=Back in the Open |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/2006/09/04/back-in-the-open |access-date=2024-03-04 |website=Sports Illustrated Vault}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=1739276|title=Larry Johnson gets community service in deal|date=February 19, 2004|website=ESPN.com}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/ex-nfl-player-larry-johnson-arrested-vegas|title=Ex-NFL player Larry Johnson arrested in Vegas|date=October 5, 2012|website=NBC Sports Washington}}</ref> The charges were dropped after Johnson agreed to participate in a domestic violence diversion program.<ref name="auto"/> He was required to complete 120 hours of [[community service]], attend an [[anger management]] course, and stay out of trouble for two years.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2160514|title=Running into trouble: Chiefs' RB Johnson arrested|date=September 13, 2005|website=ESPN.com}}</ref>

In September 2005, Johnson was again arrested for assault when a 25-year-old woman accused Johnson of pushing her to the ground in a Kansas City bar. Johnson turned himself in and was cited for [[domestic abuse]] assault; he posted [[Bail in the United States|bond]] and was released.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2005/09/13/Chiefs-Larry-Johnson-cited-for-domestic-abuse/stories/200509130283|title=Chiefs' Larry Johnson cited for domestic abuse|website=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette}}</ref> But the case was dropped after the alleged victim failed to appear in court for three [[Hearing (law)|hearings]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/71617-a-memo-to-larry-johnson-beating-up-girlsbad|title=A Memo To Larry Johnson: Beating Up Girls=Bad|first=Nola|last=Chick|website=Bleacher Report}}</ref>

His third arrest for assault came in February 2008, after he allegedly shoved a 26-year-old woman's head at a Kansas City nightclub.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pennlive.com/patriotnewssports/2012/10/former_running_back_larry_john_1.html|title=Former running back Larry Johnson jailed in Las Vegas|agency=Associated Press|date=October 6, 2012|website=pennlive}}</ref><ref name="auto"/><ref name="Chiefs Johnson faces assault charge">{{cite web|url=http://nationalpost.pa-sportsticker.com/default.aspx?s=nfl-news-display&nid=A9562711224003637A |title=Chiefs' Johnson faces assault charge |date=October 15, 2008 |work=National Post |location=Canada |access-date=October 14, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081028181829/http://nationalpost.pa-sportsticker.com/default.aspx?s=nfl-news-display&nid=A9562711224003637A |archive-date=October 28, 2008 }}</ref>

In October 2008, Johnson was arrested for the fourth time and charged with one count of non-aggravated assault for allegedly spitting a drink in a 24-year-old woman's face and threatening to kill her boyfriend at a Kansas City nightclub on October 11.<ref name="auto"/> The woman filed a [[lawsuit|civil suit]] against Johnson, accusing him of [[negligence]], assault and [[Battery (crime)|battery]], [[intentional infliction of emotional distress]], and [[negligent infliction of emotional distress]].<ref name="SI">{{cite news|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/nfl/11/10/johnson.sued.by.woman.ap/index.html|title=Woman Sues Larry Johnson over bar spat|date=November 10, 2008|agency=Associated Press|access-date=November 10, 2008}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} </ref>

Johnson was deactivated for the October 19, 2008, game against the [[Tennessee Titans]] for violating an undisclosed team rule.<ref name="Chiefs' Larry Johnson to miss game against Titans">{{cite news|url=http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jwoIt6RYxUvZpggypvJIKVtG6olQD93RRN080 |title=Chiefs' Larry Johnson to miss game against Titans |last=Tucker |first=Doug |date=October 16, 2008 |agency=Associated Press |access-date=October 16, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081021071834/http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jwoIt6RYxUvZpggypvJIKVtG6olQD93RRN080 |archive-date=October 21, 2008 }}</ref> The team said his suspension for the game was unrelated to the criminal investigation.

In March 2009, Johnson pleaded guilty to two counts of [[Breach of the peace|disturbing the peace]], regarding the two incidents in 2008, and was sentenced to two years' [[probation]].<ref name="probation">{{cite news | title=RB Johnson gets probation for assaults | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4021992 |publisher=ESPN | agency=Associated Press | date=March 27, 2009 | access-date=March 27, 2009}}</ref> In July 2010 a judge admonished him in court for failing to perform his full community service, said he "puts people in jail every day for not doing community service," but chose not to do so and instead reinstated Johnson's probation.<ref name="auto3">{{cite web | title=Judge chastises former Chief for failing to follow probation terms | website=The Wichita Eagle | date=17 July 2010 | url=https://www.kansas.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article1034982.html | access-date=14 July 2023}} (subscription required)</ref> The City Prosecutor said he was supposed to send a monthly form to his probation officer, but failed to, and also failed to report to his probation officer that he had been stopped by police in Virginia and cited for not having a driver's license.<ref name="auto3"/> After the 20-minute hearing, Johnson walked out of the courtroom smiling.<ref name="auto3"/>

On October 5, 2012, Johnson was again arrested, in [[Las Vegas Valley|Las Vegas]] for domestic violence charges that included beating and [[strangulation]] of a former girlfriend at the [[Bellagio (resort)|Bellagio]] resort Las Vegas Strip hotel and casino.<ref name="auto2">{{Cite news|url=https://www.espn.com.sg/nfl/story/_/id/9502934/ex-rb-larry-johnson-pleads-no-contest-las-vegas|title=Ex-RB Johnson pleads no contest in Vegas|date=July 23, 2013|website=ESPN.com}}</ref><ref name="auto"/> The 32-year-old woman was said to have had several injuries to her face, bruising on her neck, and been choked into unconsciousness.<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Curtis|first=Lynette|title=Ex-Chiefs football player Larry Johnson arrested in Las Vegas|url=http://www.lvrj.com/news/ex-chiefs-football-player-larry-johnson-arrested-in-las-vegas-172881451.html|publisher=Las Vegas Review Journal|access-date=October 5, 2012}}</ref> Johnson pretended to run from hotel security officers, and told one security officer he would rip his vocal cords out.<ref name="auto"/> He was booked into the [[Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department|Clark County Detention Center]] with bond set at $15,000, and was released after spending 18 hours behind bars.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kctv5.com/story/19748626/ex|title=Ex-NFL star Larry Johnson arrested in Vegas|publisher=KCTV-TV via website|date=October 5, 2012|access-date=October 5, 2012|archive-date=October 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121007235531/http://www.kctv5.com/story/19748626/ex|url-status=dead}}</ref> He faced a maximum five years in jail, and a $15,000 fine.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blogs.findlaw.com/tarnished_twenty/2012/10/larry-johnson-charged-w-strangling-ex-girlfriend.html|title=Ex-Chiefs RB Larry Johnson Charged w/ Strangling Ex-Girlfriend|website=Findlaw|date=October 11, 2012}}</ref> However, a felony charge was dropped as part of a [[plea deal]], and he was ruled guilty of misdemeanor domestic violence battery and assault, and sentenced to one year of probation and ordered to pay a $345 fine, perform 48 hours of community service, and attend six months of counseling.<ref name="auto2"/><ref>{{cite web|agency=Associated Press|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/ex-nfl-player-larry-johnson-171758157--nfl.html |title=Ex-NFL player Larry Johnson sentenced in Las Vegas |publisher=[[Yahoo! Sports]] |date=July 23, 2013 |access-date=July 25, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130727012014/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/ex-nfl-player-larry-johnson-171758157--nfl.html |archive-date=July 27, 2013 }}</ref>

On October 7, 2014, Johnson was arrested for the sixth time after punching a 29-year-old man in a [[Miami Beach, Florida|Miami Beach]] club, and allegedly cutting him with a broken bottle.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2223281-larry-johnson-arrested-latest-details-mugshot-and-more-on-former-chiefs-rb|title=Larry Johnson Arrested: Latest Details, Mugshot and More on Former Chiefs RB|first=Mike|last=Chiari|website=Bleacher Report}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/larry-johnson-former-miami-dolphin-arrested-for-aggravated-battery-in-miami-beach/62172/|title=Larry Johnson, Former Miami Dolphin, Arrested for Aggravated Battery in Miami Beach|date=October 7, 2014 }}</ref> He was charged with [[aggravated battery]] and booked into the [[Miami-Dade County, Florida|Miami-Dade County]] jail with bond set at $7,500. Johnson later pleaded guilty to battery and was sentenced to 12 months' probation, 60 hours of community service, and must submit to [[substance abuse]] evaluations, and stay away from the victim and the club.<ref name="t995">{{cite web | title=Ex-NFL Star Larry Johnson -- No Jail Time for Nightclub Attack | website=TMZ | date=2015-09-16 | url=https://www.tmz.com/2015/09/16/nfl-larry-johnson-sentenced-nightclub-attack-miami/ | access-date=2024-10-19}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[List of NCAA major college football yearly rushing leaders]]
* [[List of NFL players with chronic traumatic encephalopathy#Living former players diagnosed with CTE or ALS or reporting symptoms consistent with CTE or ALS|Living former players diagnosed with or reporting symptoms of chronic traumatic encephalopathy]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
*{{Cite news| title=RB Larry Johnson a Work of Art On and Off the Field| url=http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/2005/12/07/rb_larry_johnson_a_work_of_art_on_and_off_the_field| publisher=Kansas City Chiefs| date=December 7, 2005| access-date=November 19, 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930200655/http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/2005/12/07/rb_larry_johnson_a_work_of_art_on_and_off_the_field |archive-date = September 30, 2007}}
*{{Cite news|first=Dennis |last=Dillon |title=Johnson is so old school, he's new school |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=117670 |publisher=SportingNews |date=August 15, 2006 |access-date=November 19, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071002114408/http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=117670 |archive-date=October 2, 2007 }}

==External links==
* [https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/players/6363 Yahoo! Sports]
*{{commonscatinline}}

{{Maxwell Award}}
{{Walter Camp Award}}
{{Doak Walker Award winners}}
{{2002 NCAA Division I-A College Football Consensus All-Americans}}
{{2003 NFL Draft}}
{{Chiefs2003DraftPicks}}
{{Kansas City Chiefs first round draft picks}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Johnson, Larry}}
[[Category:1979 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:All-American college football players]]
[[Category:American Conference Pro Bowl players]]
[[Category:American football running backs]]
[[Category:American people convicted of assault]]
[[Category:Cincinnati Bengals players]]
[[Category:Kansas City Chiefs players]]
[[Category:Maxwell Award winners]]
[[Category:Miami Dolphins players]]
[[Category:Penn State Nittany Lions football players]]
[[Category:People from State College, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Players of American football from Centre County, Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Washington Redskins players]]
[[Category:State College Area High School alumni]]
[[Category:Walter Camp Award winners]]