A Message for Larry
Let me establish this right from the start: I like Larry Johnson.
I like Larry Johnson the player. I like Larry Johnson the man.
I know that leaves me in a very small room with all his other admirers. Actually, probably a phone booth is all that’s needed these days. But that’s OK; it’s not the first time I’ve been on the so called wrong side, and won’t be the last either.
Some of the things that Larry Johnson the player and man have done I do not like. He’s dished out a lot of hurt lately, and I’m not just talking about hurting himself. I’m talking about a locker room full of teammates, a coaching staff and an organization that he’s let down. His actions off the field have not been very good either. I know he’s a target out there. He knows he’s a target out there. So I don’t feel sorry for the guy when he puts himself in situations where bad things can happen. Wear a target and walk into a shooting gallery? That’s his fault.
I carry no grudge against L.J. Many in the media do. They are loving this time, because he’s suffering and they are remembering all the times when he wouldn’t play their game, by their rules. Now they can bash away in print and on the airwaves and sound all righteous and pompous about how they saw this coming.
Larry Johnson needs help. On Wednesday before the glaring eye of the media that hates him, he admitted that yes, there’s a problem, and the problem is him. He says he’s going to find help in taking care of his problems. He apologized to the Hunts, the team, the coaches, the GM and the fans.
Where Larry goes from here is unknown. He won’t play Sunday against the New York Jets. The NFL is investigating his two most recent off-field incidents. There’s a suspension coming, that you can count on.
What happens after that is up to Larry. He has professionals who can help him with their advice. He also has friends who can hurt him with their advice.
I count myself as neither friend nor foe. I’m certainly not a professional. But I’ve got some advice for Larry. Coming from a guy who at various times has screwed up his own life pretty good that might seem pretty funny, but that’s not stopping me. L.J. likely will never see this, but I’ll feel better getting it off my chest.
Larry, it’s time to go Rocky.
Rocky?
Rocky Balboa.
In the 1976 Oscar winning movie Rocky, Sylvester Stallone plays the street thug boxer who gets a chance to fight the heavyweight champion of the world and almost pulls off the upset. This was Stallone before he started marrying starlets and pumping his body full of who knows what so his muscles would pop.
In the movie, Rocky’s life was pretty simple. He was a muscle guy for a loan shark, collecting on debts and handling those folks who tried to forget about their bill. He lived in what amounted to a tenement, in a cramped apartment that barely had room for his pet gold fish, named Cuff and Link. He had no car; he had no TV, only an old radio that probably didn’t even get the FM side of the dial.
Rocky lived simply because that’s pretty much all he had. His only other possession was an incredible heart that pushed him to the point where he almost pulled off a great upset. That heart was really all he needed.
Yes, I know it was only a movie, but there are Rocky’s all around us. They have nothing, but somehow achieve remarkable things. Maybe it’s just holding a family together, or walking a troubled youth through the dangers of life, or caring for an elderly family member or friend who has no one else, but they are out there making it happen every single day.
Larry Johnson has that kind of heart. Lately it’s been covered over by the pressures, the responsibilities and the trash that comes from being a so-called superstar. It got the better of him. It knocked him off the path he should have been traveling.
It’s time for him to leave that life behind. I don’t know what happens with the rest of the 2008 season, but this advice is geared towards the future beyond the next two months. But these actions can start at any time. It’s time for L.J. to go Rocky.
Larry, sell the cars, all of them. Buy a Prius. Buy a beat up used car. Buy something small and sensible.
Sell the house and everything in it. Find a one-bedroom apartment within five miles of Arrowhead Stadium. Furnish it with a bed, a table, a chair and a small TV.
Sell the jewelry, all of it, every last piece of it. Get rid of the clothing. Everything. Keep only an I-Pod with all your favorite songs and a couple sweat suits. Not the expensive kind, just the type you probably have thrown away over the years.
If anybody is hanging on, whether friends or family, tell them it’s over, that it’s time to move on and that what’s ahead is going to be a solitary journey for awhile. No more body guards, no more drivers, no more handlers. Just you, taking responsibility for you.
Throw yourself into the all-time conditioning program of conditioning programs. Don’t go to some workout facility in Arizona or Florida. Do it right here in Kansas City. Be at the team’s facility every day. Every single freakin’ day starting two days after the ‘08 season is completed. Trudge through the snow and sleet. Be the first one there every day. Be the guy who turns on the lights, the guy who makes the coffee, the guy who puts towels in the lockers.
Get stronger, faster and tougher. No more alcohol of any kind. Change your diet. Learn how to cook the types of food you need to help your body. No chefs, no cooks, just you walking down the aisle at Price Chopper, shopping for the food that you will make and eat.
Start catching the football. Do it every day, every single freakin’ day. Pay quarterbacks to come in and throw you the ball. Pay linebackers and safeties to come in and cover you.
Take a few bucks and travel to Los Angeles and spend a few days with Marcus Allen and have him teach you how to block. There was nobody better than Allen at sitting in the backfield and picking off pass rushers. If he can’t do it, then find Greg Pruitt; he’s the guy who taught Allen. If you can’t find Pruitt, call your old buddy Tony Richardson, because Allen taught him.
Larry, spend more time with your teammates. Pick out the guy in the locker room who you might like the least and get to know him. Don’t do it with anything other than time, your time. Spend more time with your head coach, who is a very good man. Stop by and chat with Gunther; he too is a very good man.
Every single freakin’ day work to make yourself a better running back and a better teammate. There are young guys on this team who don’t know you as either. That must change.
That’s all part of making you a better man, but it doesn’t stop with just being a better player. No more clubs and bars. No more hanging in Vegas, or Miami Beach, or Hollywood, or the Big Apple. If somebody wants to see you, have them come to Kansas City. Get them a room at the Red Roof Inn and meet them at Denny’s for dinner.
Every single freakin’ day walk into the community relations department at the Chiefs and ask if there’s anything you can do. A school to visit, a sick child to make laugh, an older fan who’s struggling through life’s final days, make those part of your daily agenda. No attention, no media, nothing but you and those people, one-on-one. Don’t do it sometimes; do it all the time. Become somebody who can be counted on.
The reason I believe Larry Johnson has a good heart is I’ve seen him with the fans. I’ve seen all his teammates leave the field at open practices at Arrowhead Stadium, and he was still out there, signing autographs. At radio shows he did, Johnson was given the opportunity to sneak out back doors away from the crowd seeking a signature and he waved it away and kept signing. Sadly, there are not many professional athletes who do that.
Larry, live this life and I guarantee you’ll fall into bed at 10 o’clock every night exhausted, but a better man and a better player.
The funny thing about life is that when you are born they don’t hand you a GPS that shows you the way to go. You stumble and fumble around as you grow up and you eventually find a path. Hopefully it’s the right way. Sometimes there are detours and construction to handle. It’s seldom an easy ride.
I think it’s safe to say that Larry Johnson lost his way. The first act that must come when that happens is to stop and ask for directions.
He’s done that.
Very well written Bob.
OUTSTANDING advice Bob!
Great advice and if LJ follows just a fraction of it, he’ll be on the right path.
Great advice Bob Larry is outstanding when he was hungry to play
Great advice Bob. I think if many of todays athletes other than just Larry read this piece and heeded your advice the American sports culture would be better off. Keep up the good work.
Great read.
That was the BEST post I have read in a long time. It really made me reflect on my own life. Though I am a husband and a father I obviously couldn’t go it alone, it really made me take more appreciation of the simple things that make life so sweet. Thank you so much Bob. And LJ…you are in my prayers bud.
WOW!
I agree with most of the advice except selling everything. In this economy that would be a mistake.
Bob, This is a great list! Though I have to say the only thing missing is the most important thing and that is a personal relationship with Jesus…
What a great post. I’m also praying for Larry and Brodie. What a mess of a week.
Apropos story Bob, dripping both with wisdom and concern.
As much by what the article “doesn’t say” as what it says, the implication is clear. Immaturity and all the trappings of said – some folks eventually learn, others do not…ever. For some, it is not even merely a matter maturity.
Alas, this guy is portending Jim Brown (Johnson’s reported ‘hero’) in more ways than just on field. He is not/will never be on par with Brown on the field but likewise here’s hoping he is not Brown off the field as Brown was/has been.
Some people ‘get it’…Brown is one of those who did eventually get it, to some extent (though he still is outspoken & has had run-ins of one sort or another with authority even nigh on into this current century.)
Running backs or just plain ol regular Joe hacks, some overcame their immaturity – alas, some even now circa 2008 find themselves on the wrong side of the law (OJ Simpson, Lawrence Phillips, afore Bam Morris-and didn’t Tamarick Vanover play some RB for KC briefly? Yup; maybe it’s something in the positional requirements (self-asphixiation?)
Carlton Chester Cookie Gilchrist was AFL version of Brown as to running style and a grade A prima donna much to the chagrin of his coaches, mostly (in the same vein as Johnson reportedly, refused to abide coaching requests re entering or exiting a game(s) – Cookie refused to re-enter.) A recent battle with throat cancer reprotedly has left him a bit refelective on his willful playing days.
Others never learn; former RB Jesse Phillips was drafted by the CIN Bengals in ‘68 despite having spent time in jail; a short pro career’s now long forgotten, give way aft his playing days ended to misdemeanor/felony/Big House residency.
Bam Morris…Lawrence Phillips…OJ Simpson…I don’t accept & never will the aspect of culture playing a part, i.e., a black man must be dealt with/understood differently than a non-black or say a white man. Baloney. I traveled the world living in diverse cultures- right is right and wrong is dead said…player/regular Joe on the street just the same- any other rationale’s be just that…rationalization.
Paul Hornung and Billy Cannon are former players nee white runningbacks who also ran afoul in one way or another so it’s not epidemic to color any more than position played. That’s too convenient a crutch that some would proffer. Also, Joe Don Looney was just that -looney on the field as off; yup he too was a RB, white (and believed to have partaken of anabolic steroids as far back as his college days at Oklahoma in the early 60’s; Joe was dead by 45 via unrelated happenstance…or, were they?) Joe is a guy who once told his NFL coach back in 1966 he would not re-enter a game so to relay the next play – “hey, if you want a messenger then call Western Union.”
All the players have different circumstances, but then again there are just as many ways to mess up a career…or life. Will Larry be saved? And does he want to be? We shall see…
awesome post BG…I hope like crazy that he reads this and does it…
That was moving, Bob. I also believe Larry should spend time with Tony Dungy, or at least read his book “Silent Strengths”. I know it wouldn’t hurt.
Outstanding stuff, Bob.
Johnson is at a crossroads in his life. He can walk away from the trash. Here’s hoping he does.
Few things piss me off more that great athletes who throw away their talent.
Great post, Bob. It’s great that you’re willing to stand up and be counted as someone who likes Larry.
When we see a professional athlete who has behaved like Larry the temptation is always to say the guy’s a scumbag with no redeeming qualities. But if we stop to think about people we’ve known and liked, we’ll usually recall a one or two who had problems similar to Larry’s.
I hope he really feels the need to change and begins to turn things around.
Wouldn’t we all be better to follow this plan.
Bob,
Thanks for your honesty and wisdom.
Fame and money are trappings that many do not handle well. There is example after example that one could draw from. With a little research you would discover just how many lives have been turned upside down by winning the lottery.
Even Rocky struggled in that life after it enveloped him.
Your advice would be good advice for anyone in Larry’s circumstances. I agree that he should sell it all (anything and everything that does not have sentimental value), All the material things just make it harder to focus on the important stuff. Even better, GIVE IT ALL AWAY!
- Skrappy says:
Bob, This is a great list! Though I have to say the only thing missing is the most important thing and that is a personal relationship with Jesus…
and without this, none of it matters anyway!
As behavioral science tells us, environment through developmental years of life dictate all emotions. Just as someone who had never experienced joy will never be joyful or rather feel uncomfortable in a joyful situation. LJ can change the same as anyone can. I wish him great luck…rather strength to see the patterns traced back to childhood and I hope he finds the wisdom to understand that “reprogramming” will take as much time as the “programming” did. A fan
Bob:
One of the best columns I’ve read in a while. I agree with many of the other posters – this is great advice for anyone, not just LJ.
I know if may seem self-serving, but you need to get a copy of this to him. With your connections, surely you know someone who can drop a copy in his locker.
So glad you set up this site. It’s on my daily read list. Keep up the good work.
AMEN
Mr. Johnson,
The time has come for you to define this moment and I look forward to your response. Your past has been filled with indiscretion and has led to tremendous hurt for you and your family. You are a man with tremendous potential, on and off the field. It is difficult to interpret or analysis what you must feel from day to day but I am certain you will take charge of your life in order to command the respect you deserve.
Your heartfelt apology was a great first step. Words are easy to communicate but action defines who you are and what you will become. As a KC Chief fan I have unconditional respect for you. However, women are to be treated with respect and I know you understand this important obligation. The legal situation you face today is based on speculation and conjecture and the end result will bear out the truth. Regardless of the outcome, I know you will you be a better man for it.
I am certain I speak for the majority of KC fans when I say we appreciate your contribution to the team. Our only hope for the future is to see you demonstrate the qualities of your father as a “Leader of Men”.
Joe The Plumber
Go Rocky!!! Just about the best advice anyone can give. Eye of the Tiger Rock, Eye of the Tiger. Th ebest part of the advice is to get rid of the hangers on, They are a bad influence and a group you want to “perform for”. I hope someone tells him this. Marcus Allen, Greg Pruit, Tony Richardson. That’s a pretty impressive set of Mentors
Great post, not lacking anything. Larry does not need to get a relationship with Jesus Christ. I am so sick of people pushing their religion as if that is what is best for everyone else. Maybe Larry Johnson’s family is Buddhist? Maybe Hindu? Maybe Muslim? Maybe Atheist? I may be way off base here but this story seemed to me to be a piece telling Larry that all the money, the cars, fancy jewelry, ladies, drinking and such was just covering up what, for Larry Johnson at least, is something he needs to pay attention to. This story was pointing out that he had that hunger, and that he is still a good person, he is simply letting Hollywood take his eyes off what got him here: a hunger to be a great player. This story seemed to be telling him to get off of his high horse and get back to basics. If Larry did a quarter of what was in this open letter, he would lead the NFL is rushing and awesomeness.
Great post.
Thanks Bob, for the best article that I have ever read from you or any writer. Like you, I like Larry Johnson and the good that he has accomplished for the Chiefs, himself, and his family. I just fervently hope that Larry reads and heeds your article. Doing so will definitely put his life back on track and facilitate his making even greater accomplishments on and off the field than he has in the past. Also, despite his problems in the recent past with women, it would be very helpful for an intelligent, wise, and supportive woman to play a big role in his journey. Besides, (not behind), every great man, stands a great woman. I truly wish him the best of luck in all that he wants to do.
And to you Bob, keep up the good work!
I, just read your article and your mentioning my name about some that you know nothing about. Since you were not there. However, it called the white man’s power of definition. Which is European White Supremacist lies no matter the circumstances a Black man may find himself in. You will not go beyond what some other white man said or wrote.
I don’t know anything about this young Black man because I do not follow sports of any kind but I do know Racism when I read it and see it. Which is my reason for sending along to you my E-mail today. I want to thank you for the honor and priviledge to express my view on the persecution of another young Black Male:
“The Bible, in the Book of Revelations, graphically depicts in symbolic pageantry, the Spirit of the Black Messiah (Barack Obama), leading the armies of African people and other Nationalities against the European colonial powers and oppressive forces. These forces were called Gog and Magog, the chief prince of Mesheck and Tubal, who were immediate ancestors of the Caucasian race.
This war between the Afro-Asian and European ““ the East and the West, is referred to as “The Battle of the Great Day of God Almighty. . .in a place called Armageddon” This last and decisive battle between the Black man and the white man, will end in the valley of Megiddo, of Palestine, in the Middle East. It is the place where European, so-called Jew is waging war in the name of freedom and justice, an unrighteous aggression and genocidal war against the indigenous inhabitants of Palestine; in an effort to take from them their land again, going back to before, December 6 1948. This is when The United Nation was founded by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, which in turn is to serve as a gateway to European Neo-colonialism in East Africa.
In the 38th and 39th chapters of the Book of Ezekiel, God clearly sets forth His intense hatred for Gog and Magog and their descendents who are described as a people who came from their home in the far recesses of the North . . . in the latter days, into the land that is brought back from the sword and is gathered out of many people” prophetic language for the European so-called “discovery of America.”
God declares that He will smite the bow out of America’s left hand and cause her arrows to fall to the ground: That He would send fire on her armies and those not destroyed by the fire,
Would die by the sword, would be eaten by birds of prey and beasts of the field. All the force of nature will be turned against her.
So thoroughly will God’s judgment be carried out against these people, that the flesh of their bodies shall be “consumed away into smoke” and become “ashes under the soles of the
Feet of the righteous.”
After the Lord has led His armies to a complete victory over the beast, the earth shall then once again return to its natural state; for it is written:
“Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. And your threshing shall reach unto vintage, and the vintage
Shall reach unto the sowing time: and I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid; and I will rid evil beasts out of the land, neither shall the sword
Go through your hand. And ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword. And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put thousand to
Flight: and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.” Leviticus 26:4-8
THE JUDGEMENT OF GOD HANGS OVER AMERICA!
t330knkabupra1td