No More “Smash And Dash” In Nashville

Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson is striking out on his own when it comes to nicknames. He no longer wants to be known as the “Dash” portion of the “Smash and Dash” rushing tandem with Titans running back LenDale White, according to Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean. Now, Johnson has dubbed himself “Every Coach’s Dream,” which probably raises nostalgia for many to go back to the old-school days when athletes’ nicknames were earned, not adopted. During the Titans’ minicamp today, Johnson said he’s done with sharing a nickname with White. “Smash and Dash have had a divorce, that’s official,’’ said Johnson, per the Tennessean. “I have to be my own guy, so no more Smash and Dash, that was last year. Every Coach’s Dream, that’s me.” “Because they say every team has its own identity. I feel for me, I can’t be noticed as a group any more. I am my own guy.’’ Although Johnson’s seemingly egocentric nickname move would seem to hint at signs of discord between himself and White, that’s apparently not the case, per the report. And White is out of the loop on this development, according to Johnson. “It doesn’t matter what he says about that,” Johnson said. “I don’t know what he’ll think. He hasn’t heard it yet. You know how it is when you come home and your wife has everything packed up by the door, you’ve got to go? It is kind of like that situation. We’re going on separate ways.’’ A first-round pick last season out of East Carolina, Johnson made the Pro Bowl last season as a rookie. For an encore, he wants to become the NFL rushing champion and be named the league’s Most Valuable Player. Johnson might not have much humility, but at least he’s got ambition and a sense of humor working in his favor. Not to mention a lot of speed and moves. [Editor’s note: The real question is whether he now will be known officially as Chris “Every Coach’s Dream” Johnson, and if so whether his first endorsement deal will be with Viagra, Cialis, or Levitra. Or Enzyte.]