Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson, a first-round pick in the 2005 draft, has seen his once-promising career hit a rough spot. After four years as a consistent starter, Johnson came off the bench in 12 of the 15 games in which he appeared last season.
And now that preparations are in full swing for 2010, he’s once again not part of the first team.
But Johnson isn’t upset. “Right now, nobody has a starting job,” Johnson said, per Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star. “The [coaches are] more focused on [players] learning the defense. We’ve got a new coordinator. So it’s not a set team. That depth-chart stuff, that doesn’t come into play until training camp. It’s not a priority for the coaches right now. When we get to training camp, that’s a little different. That’s when we really separate the men from the boys.
“If we get to training camp and I’m working my butt off and staying healthy and I’m still not out there with the first team, then we can look at a problem. Right now, it’s not a problem at all.”
Right now, he’s on the field in nickel situations only.
“I want to be a big part of the defense,” Johnson said. “I want to help us win. I’ve got one more year to do what I’ve got to do. I want to get on the field. That’s my main focus. I need to get on the field. I still believe in my ability.”
Most players do. The challenge is getting the coaches to agree. Whether Johnson is successful remains to be seen.