LARRY JOHNSON'S CHRISTIAN TESTIMONY

Larry Johnson's Christian testimony is the subject of this week's episode of Faith on the Field. Johnson spoke with our own Rob Maaddi.

Former NFL star Larry Johnson openly shares his journey to Christ with Rob, and the cast discuss various ways God speaks to us.

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BACKGROUND

Johnson was born in Pomfret, Maryland. He was one of three children born to Christine and Larry Johnson Sr. Johnson graduated from State College Area High School in State College, Pennsylvania. There 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.

PROFESSIONAL CAREER

Johnson was drafted in the first round with the 27th overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft as insurance for the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs were unsure if Priest Holmes would be healthy or even sign a contract extension. Johnson was drafted over the objection of head coach Dick Vermeil. He wanted to select a defensive player, and despite the lack of recent NFL success by Penn State running backs.

The conflicts between Johnson and Vermeil grew. In 2004 Vermeil said that Johnson needed to grow up and "take the diapers off." Johnson took great offense to this comment. 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, with Blaylock gone and Holmes having gone down with a season-ending neck injury in early November, Johnson stepped up. On November 20 against the Houston Texans, Johnson 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.

HEADING INTO 2006

At the end of the 2005 regular season, Johnson had nine consecutive games with 100+ rushing yards. He passed the 100-yard mark in every start for the Chiefs that season and earning a Pro Bowl berth. 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 to his running ability, Johnson proved himself to be an adept receiver.

In 2005, 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 did not make the playoffs in spite of a winning record.