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BENGALS
Chad promises gags, fines and a monster year
Receiver, humble no more, says if he scores in Week 1, 'you will laugh for a lifetime.'
Comment: What do you think of CJ's celebrations?
Friday, August 03, 2007
GEORGETOWN, Ky. — Like the central Kentucky weather, Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson is heating up — in more ways than one.
"I'm going back to the old '05 Chad — the talking, the celebrating, the getting fined — all that," Johnson said during a recent break at training camp. "It's going to be a very entertaining, but productive, got-to-get-to-the-playoffs season. I want to carry the load. I'm going to make sure we get it done."
Extras
Last year, Johnson became the first Bengal to lead the league in receiving yards in a season with 1,369. Nevertheless, head coach Marvin Lewis and wide receivers coach Mike Sheppard challenged him to get better.
They point to Johnson's final three games — a combined 10 catches for 122 yards and no touchdowns — as proof that there's room for improvement.
"It was brought to my attention my whole game needs work, regardless of the numbers I put up," Johnson said. "They basically said, 'What can we do to continue to push someone who's already self-motivated?' They pushed all the right buttons. It put two unbelievably big chips on my shoulders and an enormous monkey on my back. Therefore, you've created a bigger beast and a bigger animal than what you've already had. This is going to be a ridiculously monster season."
The four-time Pro Bowler harnessed his emotion last season. He believes it held him back.
"I tried to change," he said. "I tried to be quiet. I tried not talking, playing what the outside world would call the humble role. This year, I'm going to play what the outside world would call the arrogant role. I call it confidence. Me being me, It's tough to walk the line between arrogance and humility. But I do back it up with my play, except for the last few weeks of the (2006) season.
"It's stupid to say. Some people aren't going to like it. But I set money aside (for fines). I did it in 2005. This is a year to entertain everyone around the world. Week 1, if I touch the end zone, you will laugh for a lifetime. Marvin might sit me down for the next game. But you will laugh."
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com.
Bengals training camp
Today: Practice from 9 to 11 a.m., intrasquad scrimmage from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
Parking: $15 per car
Directions: Take I-75 South to Georgetown (Exit 126). Turn right off exit ramp. Go through four traffic lights and turn right at fifth light onto Lemons Mill Road (Route 1962 West). Go a half mile and turn into driveway on right at Toyota Stadium sign.
Comments
By Charley
August 7, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this
I think a lot of people forget that football is a game. It should be fun. Quit putting so much importance on athletes. They’re entertainers. Also, anyone who’s ever played sports knows how exciting it is to play and to do well. I don’t think I’d be able to contain my emotions if I were in their shoes.
By Dave
August 6, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this
Why dont you whinner’s just shut up!!!!I got cheeze for you if you need some…you all must be Pro Wresling fan FAKE…if you dont like watching Chad celebrating then do what I tell everyone else..turn the channel. We didnt need you then and we dont need you now you bunch of negative people. All I got to say is Chad we all love your celebration and dont stop doing them, Its a Great Team Modivation…Rock On Dude…WHO DEY ALL and will see you in the Playoff’s
By Scruffy
August 5, 2007 8:32 PM | Link to this
I am so tired of these children. You are professional athletes. These “I have to go the the bathroom” dances shows a TOTAL lack of respect for the league, teammates your boss. He says the coach may have to sit him down? Yea, that sounds like a professional! What a way to hurt your team, sitting on the bench because you think you are above everybody else….. GROW UP! Funny, I don’t see this on the hockey rink! They simply have respect and a pure love for the game!
By Beef
August 5, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this
I can’t wait for the first game then. Go get them Chaddy, make me dying of laughing!!! I can’t wait!!!
By John Page
August 5, 2007 3:47 AM | Link to this
The great players(Walter Payton, Barry Sanders, Jerry Rice) never have to resort in hotdog celebrations after they scored a TD, they acted like, what else would you expect, they were professionals. Only insecure weenies need to give hotdog celebrations. Sorry Bengal fans, but Chad’s a weenie, he’s desperate for attention, just one look at his hairdo and a person can see that.
By Evan
August 5, 2007 1:13 AM | Link to this
Chad Johnson has created a new era in Pro Football. BC—-Before Chad and AC—-After Chad. His new spin on smack talk has differentiated itself from the past arrogence/negative to good ol fun/positive.
By Neal Richter
August 4, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this
What a jerk Chad Johnson is. He plays on the team with the most punks in the league. Instead of saying he’s going to try to be a positive influence to off-set the law breaking ways of his team- mates, he says something as childish and stupid as this. Personally, I hope there are a few throw-back players still left in the league, and the first time Johnson does something stupid, one of those players uses it as motivation to take Johnson’s head (and big mouth) off……
By David L.
August 3, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this
I think this is great for Chad and the NFL. I played football almost all my life, and know firsthand the emotion that comes along with it. Scoring a touchdown in the NFL is huge and the player should be able to show his happiness. Mental toughness is also a big part of the game, and if you’re not mentally tough enough to see a player celebrate when he does good and not be demoralized, then they should go find a new job. Try telling a lottery winner to not celebrate. See what they tell you.
By Carson
August 3, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this
Truly great players do not have to resort to gimmicks to receive attention.
By kev
August 3, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this
I think that they are awesome as well as funny as hell. This is what football need verse having all those TV advertisements. CJ is why i watch football you never know what is coming next i must say the river dance was the best thanks.
By rje
August 3, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
Way to go Chad, have some fun!
By KP
August 3, 2007 1:07 PM | Link to this
Who cares? Unless talking wins championships, he’s useless. The Bengals can’t stop the run, so 8-8, here they come!! Steelers 5, Bengals 0!!
By red
August 3, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this
“They are awesome. Keeps football interesting.You never know what he will come up with next!!” ————I know what you will end up with, more fines and suspensions. That should help the team.
By Scratch
August 3, 2007 12:52 PM | Link to this
Go for it Chad! Keep it clean, keep it fun, and be a good sport about it like you always do… just please… for God’s sake… don’t risk getting a penalty just for entertainment value. I’d rather see a win and a Super Bowl ring than a fancy end-zone dance.
By Jim
August 3, 2007 12:11 PM | Link to this
I long for the day when professional athletes played their respective sport with class.
By Christie Moore
August 3, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this
Chad I say, Unleash that beast! If that is what it takes to get us to the playoffs, then do your thing! We have an awesome team that make stupid decisions! Take it back to high school! GET YOUR HEAD IN THE GAME! Remember in your moment of entertaining there is no I in TEAM! It is going take everyone not just you to get us where we need to be! That fever you are catching pass it on!
By Jon
August 3, 2007 11:01 AM | Link to this
Awesome to see. The NFL needs more guys like Chad instead of the boring ‘No Fun League’ the NFL wants.
By Mac Nificent
August 3, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
How bout you haters, shut up and…. well just shut up ! What CJ does isnt hurting anyone, and it brings some life to the game outside of the plays themselves. As hard as these players work to compete in this league, verses the best of the best, if they wanna act a fool and celebrate when they score, then so be it! Stop being a hater, ya old grumpy a*s cracka! hahahaha!
By Ryan
August 3, 2007 9:34 AM | Link to this
“Week 1, if I touch the end zone, you will laugh for a lifetime. Marvin might sit me down for the next game. But you will laugh.”
And sitting out games because you are a hotdog is going to help the team how? Between this clown and the other half of the team that will be in jail by the time the season starts, the Bengals will again struggle to put a complete team on the field. Like Mike said before, “shut up and play”
By mike
August 3, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this
Just shut up and play. The team is tired of your Big mouth!!!!!!!!
By BCRez
August 3, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this
CJ’s awesome. He is also a very positive role model and entertaining to watch. Time to get some Bengal fever again!!
By ray
August 3, 2007 8:58 AM | Link to this
I love it when chad celebrates his touchdowns. i was dissappointed last year when he toned it down. I hope he gets to celebrate a lot this year!!!!!!!!!
By Lisa
August 3, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this
It makes the games fun to watch! He’s out to entertain the fans and that’s a big part of what the game is all about. I’m all for it! :)
By Amy
August 3, 2007 8:25 AM | Link to this
They are awesome. Keeps football interesting.You never know what he will come up with next!!