Chad Johnson gets an early start to trash talking

[WMR]

Follow this link and watch the video clip.

http://www.bengals.com/news/news.asp?story_id=4723

I love this guy.

I like his attitude, I like his approach, and I especially like the way that he actually cares about the game that he is playing and appears to truly care about bringing a winner to Cincinnati for the fans of Cincinnati. How many players are just going through the motions to collect a paycheck? Just look at the Vikings. How focused are those jokers on playing football? Maybe if they spent less time cavorting on Lake Minnetonka and more time in the film room a la Chad Johnson they'd be doing better in that sorry division of theirs. How many players just like that were we forced to endure playing in Cincinnati?


“I think what he’s doing is pretty funny. He’s basically challenging himself and whoever is covering him that week,” said Titans linebacker Keith Bulluck, who knows Johnson through Rolle, a former Titan. “I’m a little bit of a Chad Johnson fan. When we’re on the field, he’s not my matchup. If he catches the ball on crossing routes, stuff like that, I’ll be in the area, so it’s get down or lay down.

“Chad’s just having fun, man,” said Bulluck when asked if his friend has the Titans fired up. “He’s one of the great personalities in this league. With all the different fines the NFL tries to get us players for bringing excitement to this league, it’s a shame. He says he wants to be looked at as one of the best wide receivers and I understand where he’s coming from because I feel the same way about myself and the position I play, so there’s no hard feelings there.”



“No, its funny,” said defensive tackle John Thornton. “He works harder than anyone I’ve been around. When you do that as a player, you can do those types of things. When you go out and work hard every day in practice, we know it’s not fake and he turns it on for the TVs. He knows he has to go out and beat those DBs because they all want to get in that “Yes” column. Every player should be that confident. It’s not a distraction.”

So many people want to pidgeonhole Chad Johnson to fit their perception. The guy is obviously beloved by his teammates, esp. Carson. If his approach is good enough for them, it's certainly good enough for me.

http://www.bengals.com/news/news.asp?story_id=4723

[redsfan30]

Thanks for posting that!

Chad is not a "me" guy. He is a team guy, no matter what anybody says.

[Keep it Freel]

I agree. Chad is a great guy and is a lot of fun to watch. :)

[smith288]

Chad is a team player, yes... but Chad needs to grow up. Crying because he wishes he wasnt Chad? Ugh.

The dude just needs to relax.

[GAC]

Chad is a team player, yes... but Chad needs to grow up. Crying because he wishes he wasnt Chad? Ugh.

The dude just needs to relax.

Exactly. I'm not buying this excuse that it's just his strong passion to win that drives his antics - as if everyone else on that team, or in the NFL, does have a passion to win?

After the loss last Sunday we saw Hyde. In the interview we saw Jekyll. Who are we gonna see this week if the same possibly occurs, since reports are that TJ is not ready to play, and the Titans use dbl/triple coverage on Johnson and basically shut him down. The Titan's overall defense and pass defense is 15th in the NFL.

He states that he doesn't want Palmer to throw into dbl coverage. Then why fuss at your QB during the game and make a comment after the game questioning your QB's effort to get him the ball? You just don't so that IMO.

It wasn't Johnson nor Palmer's fault that he was being shutdown by dbl and triple coverage.

Yeah you need to get creative, as Johnson stated. He says that if he is drawing that type of coverage then that means someone else will be open. Sound logic, but not always the case. It wasn't the case this past Sunday. But lets see how he reacts in the future if he continues to draw similar coverage, is not getting the ball/receptions like he thinks he should, while other receivers are. Because it is all about geting the win.

My problem with him is that he keeps spouting off and drawing attention to himself. Then when he gets it from opposing defenses, and they do shut him down, he gets all flustered, emotional, and defensive. As far as I'm concerned, you asked for it. You want to be the center of attention - you got it!

You're a darn talented young receiver - SHUT UP and go out there and play the game.

[Degenerate39]

Chad Johnson and the Ravens get an early start to trash talking

By DAVID GINSBURG, AP Sports Writer
September 6, 2007

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) -- Chad Johnson added Ed Reed to his "hit list," announced his intention of smacking Ray Lewis and Bart Scott in the mouth and promised a grandiose touchdown celebration.

Lewis laughingly insisted Johnson wouldn't score, and Scott said the standout wide receiver couldn't hit hard enough to bust a grape.

The Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens engaged in a war of the words Thursday, four days before the AFC North rivals meet Monday night in the opener for both teams.

Johnson didn't reach the end zone in two games against the Ravens last season, so the fleet-footed, wide-mouthed star will seek to amend that situation at Paul Brown Stadium. He's so confident of scoring that he's already devised a plan to mark the occasion.

"This will probably be one of the greatest celebrations of all time," Johnson told Cincinnati reporters. "It's more of a let-you-know ahead of time what will come in the future for 85. It's going to be a good one. You'll like it."

Johnson often speaks with Lewis on the phone, and this week was no exception.

This is how Lewis described part of the conversation: "He said, 'If I get in the end zone on Monday night ...' and I said, 'Stop, Chad, because that's what I want you to focus on: if.' Oh, he got mad."

It wasn't a typical exchange between Lewis and Johnson. Then again, it isn't often that the two AFC powers meet on Monday night.

"Ninety-five percent of it is not about football. That's what's funny. He just calls me to talk about whatever else," Lewis said. "But this time, we got on football and he said this crazy stuff and I said, 'Suppose you all don't score.' And I shouldn't have said that, because I didn't get off the phone with that guy for an hour-and-a-half."

Johnson, in a conference call with the Baltimore media, said, "I always get that good word from Ray before every game. Nothing is going to change. But, when that whistle does blow, I'm going to hit him in the mouth."

Johnson and the highly regarded Baltimore defense have exchanged trash-talk for years. Johnson insists it's good-natured fun -- except when Scott gets involved.

"I'm trying to talk to everybody, and Bart's cursing me out, telling me (to) get back in my huddle. I'm just trying to make friends, man. That's it. Serious. Bart is mean," Johnson said. "It's not funny. And if this year he tries that again, I'm going to hit him in the mouth."

Told of Johnson's assertion, Scott laughed.

"I'm a nice guy," he said. "Whenever I see Chad, I'm always shooting him comments like, 'Nice goat. Hey, you look good in blond. Cool mohawk. Gwen Stefani's mohawk is nothing compared to yours."'

Scott also shrugged off Johnson's threat of violence.

"Aw, that's Chad. He's such a nice guy," Scott said. "He wouldn't bust a grape in fruit fight. ... He's nonstop entertainment. I wish him the best in his career outside of football when he gets on the comedy stage."

Johnson kiddingly said he was going to seek out Reed, who scored a touchdown on an interception return against the Bengals last season.

"Ed is on my hit list," Johnson said. "Ed almost knocked me out last year on that first play of the game when they intercepted it and took it to the house, so I owe him one."

Johnson said his yapping on the field is all about having fun. His main focus is on making plays.

"My trash talking is not about your mamma, about your kids. It's not like that," he said. "I don't even know how to explain it. Whether I get in (your) head or not, you're not going to win the battle. That's my thought process, that's how I think -- period. Regardless of what I say, you're not going to stop me. One person, two people, three, I don't care."

On a more serious note, Ravens offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden practiced with the first-team offense in full gear Thursday but was not ready to declare himself ready to play Monday. The 10-time Pro Bowler missed the entire preseason with an hyperextended toe, an injury that dates back to last season.

"It's OK, not great," he said. "It's one of things where I have to feel my way through. I'm cautiously optimistic, I guess. I'm not going to say yea or nay."

Wide receiver Mark Clayton and cornerback Samari Rolle, who both sprained ankles in the second preseason game, are expected to play against the Bengals.

[uoduck1017]

You can tell it's football season when Chad Johnson starts trash-talking, especially with the Ravens. Chad will need to play much better against the Ravens than he did last year for the Bengals to have a good shot at winning the opener.

[GAC]

Shut up and put up. ;)

[GoReds33]

He has to earn the right to talk. Last year he didn't do that. Until we get the prolific Chad back he can shut up. If he scores this Monday though, he earned his celebration.

[WMR]

Chad's trash talking is played out.

[Johnny Footstool]

Chad can talk all he wants as long as he puts up 1300 yards receiving every year. If that's how he motivates himself, more power to him.

[Yachtzee]

Chad can talk all he wants as long as he puts up 1300 yards receiving every year. If that's how he motivates himself, more power to him.

Unfortunately, as of late it usually ends up antagonizing the other team to the degree where they start looking to separate his head from his body. The trash talking can be fun, but when he calls out the other team, I spend the whole game wondering if they're going to try to put him out for the season.

[Reds Freak]

Unfortunately, as of late it usually ends up antagonizing the other team to the degree where they start looking to separate his head from his body. The trash talking can be fun, but when he calls out the other team, I spend the whole game wondering if they're going to try to put him out for the season.

It seems like Chad is pretty good buddies with most of the DB's in the league, especially with guys like Ray Lewis. I think they know it's all in fun and they play back too. Sure, they want to hit him and hit him hard because that is their job but I don't think anybody is out there trying to end Chad's season or career. Defenses around the league know it's just Chad being Chad, it's not like they are going to be surprised that he is calling them out. The people it ticks off most it seems are the fans...

[BRM]

Chad Johnson makes it very easy to root against the Bengals.

[bucksfan2]

Chad Johnson makes it very easy to root against the Bengals.

I think Chad makes the bengals a much more marketable team and generates more out of town fans than he turns away. I look at chad and his antics this way. Every player does something to get themselves pumped up for the game. Some listen to music, some meditate, some pray, etc. Chad talks. Most of it is in good fun and from all reports he has a good relatoinship with a lot of defenders in the league. If he continues to lead the league in recieving yards every year I am fine with whatever he says or does.

[Chip R]

Chad Johnson makes it very easy to root against the Bengals.


I'm not a Bengals fan but Chad Johnson and his antics would make me more likely to root for them if I were so inclined.

And I think bucksfan2 has a great point. He's easily their most marketable player. You could make the argument that Carson Palmer should be but he isn't for whatever reason.

[HotCorner]

He has to earn the right to talk. Last year he didn't do that. Until we get the prolific Chad back he can shut up. If he scores this Monday though, he earned his celebration.

So he leads the AFC in yardage for a fourth consecutive year and that's not "earning it" or "prolific". He's a top 3 WR in the league. Period.

[BRM]

I'm not a Bengals fan but Chad Johnson and his antics would make me more likely to root for them if I were so inclined.

And I think bucksfan2 has a great point. He's easily their most marketable player. You could make the argument that Carson Palmer should be but he isn't for whatever reason.

Interesting. I guess it just depends on what you like in a player. For me, I much prefer guys like Marvin Harrison and Torry Holt. Quiet types that just do their jobs and do it very, very well. I've never been a fan of trash talk and showboating, personally. But that's just me.

[Reds Fanatic]

The thing I like about Chad is what he does is all in fun. Most of the other players realize that too. I don't think there a lot of players that are horribly offended by what Chad says most realize he is just having fun.

[bucksfan2]

Chad celebrates when he gets in the endzone. As Reds Fanatic says it is all in fun. I am not a huge fan of celebratoin but I do not mind if it is after a score. What I dislike very much is when Madieu celebrates a tackle or a hit. Or a db celebrates after they make a play. Especially when a team is losing or in a close game there is no celebratoin needed when you make a play. If you score that is one thing, if you mearly make a good football play that is another.

[Chip R]

Chad celebrates when he gets in the endzone. As Reds Fanatic says it is all in fun. I am not a huge fan of celebratoin but I do not mind if it is after a score. What I dislike very much is when Madieu celebrates a tackle or a hit. Or a db celebrates after they make a play. Especially when a team is losing or in a close game there is no celebratoin needed when you make a play. If you score that is one thing, if you mearly make a good football play that is another.


I agree once again. Chad makes me laugh and it's not like he does it after every catch he makes. I'm not a huge fan of the end zone celebrations - especially the planned ones - but Chad's are inspired.

[Roy Tucker]

Yeah, this all seems like a lot of harmless barking and woofing.

Johnson is an entertaining player (almost cartoonish) and I've got no problem with him. I'd prefer my players to hand the ball to the ref and jog off the field, but those days are long gone. I'm old school but all that means any more is that I'm old and cranky.

Chad just needs to keep his talk in the "fun" range. IIRC, there have been some times when he went over the line, distracted him from his game, and Marvin had to have a talk with him. I think he has that under control now.

[Matt700wlw]

Just back it up, Chad.

Just back it up.

[uoduck1017]

He's a top 3 WR in the league. Period.

Steve Smith
Chad Johnson
Marvin Harrison

Along with Terrell Owens and Torry Holt. Something like that.

[NJReds]

I'm not a Bengals fan, but I'm amused by Chad and his antics. He's entertaining. He puts the fun back in the No Fun League.

[camisadelgolf]

Chad's performance has far outweighed his talking. He's setting more football records than talking records. Besides, the more attention he brings to himself, the less attention paid to the other talented receivers. In my opinion, that's a true team player. And despite the double- and triple-team coverage, he's still managing to destroy opposing defenses. He doesn't deserve all the credit, but the deserves most of it. Oh, yeah, and like others said: He's just having fun (and making it more fun for me and others as a result).

[BRM]

I don't need to see guys performing idiotic dances and hear a bunch of trash talk for me to have fun watching the game. But again, that's just me. The game of football is entertaining for me, not the Johnson and Terrell Owens' of the game. To each their own.

[Hoosier Red]

I'm always confused by people who don't like Chad. There really is not a bit of malice in him.
Now TJ, if he were not a Bengal I'm pretty sure I'd feel like he's the biggest jerk this side of Michael Vick.
But he's a Bengals so its all good.

[BRM]

It has nothing to do with malice for me. And it's not like I hate the guy. I just said he makes it easier to root against the Bengals, that's all.

[NJReds]

I don't need to see guys performing idiotic dances and hear a bunch of trash talk for me to have fun watching the game. But again, that's just me. The game of football is entertaining for me, not the Johnson and Terrell Owens' of the game. To each their own.

I can understand why you don't like him. But he's nothing like Owens. I don't think Chad has ripped his QB and disrupted the locker room. He's just got a big mouth.

[durl]

Personally, I don't enjoy the trash talking. I figure if you beat the other guy, respect your competitor enough to not rub it in. If you can't beat the other guy, you simply look like a jerk who runs his mouth better than he plays the game.

Play the GAME and play it hard. Leave the talking to the reporters and commentators.

[Puffy]

Chad Johnson is awesome. Every team knows his trash talking isn't mean-spirited, and is all in good fun.

[BRM]

I can understand why you don't like him. But he's nothing like Owens. I don't think Chad has ripped his QB and disrupted the locker room. He's just got a big mouth.

No doubt. I probably shouldn't link those two together like that. No one is as bad as Owens.

[Yachtzee]

Chad Johnson is awesome. Every team knows his trash talking isn't mean-spirited, and is all in good fun.

Except maybe the Browns and a few other teams. Whenever they play the Browns, it always seems like the DBs are waiting to tee up on him. They almost seem to forget about the rest of the team just to take shots at Chad.

Chad is definitely trying to make the game more fun. I liken his trash talking to the good natured trash talking that friends give each other when they play against each other. His stunts are more like practical jokes than any kind of mean-spirited jabs. I think Hines Ward and TO can be much more mean-spirited with their talk. In fact, I think TJ has a bit of a mean streak in him. I remember that game a few years back when they beat Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh and the NFL network showed it as the "Game of the Week" with NFL Films footage of TJ shining his shoes with a terrible towel. TJ did not seem like he was joking around when he did it. I think he genuinely doesn't like the Steelers.

[GAC]

I don't need to see guys performing idiotic dances and hear a bunch of trash talk for me to have fun watching the game. But again, that's just me. The game of football is entertaining for me, not the Johnson and Terrell Owens' of the game. To each their own.

Amen!

If we need the likes of Chad Johnson, and his antics, to spice up and make the games more interesting and fun to watch then the NFL ha a bigger problem.

I'm "old school" when it comes to receivers and scoring. Guys like Paul Warfield, Jerry Rice, Lance Alworth, Lynn Swann, Ozzie Newsome, Chris Collinsworth.

Class, grace, and dignity.

I don't need some idiot pulling his cellphone out in the endzone and calling his Mom. Just stupid.

If I was the opposng team I'd be out to wring his clock on that playing field as soon as possible.

[FoReel]

Chad celebrates when he gets in the endzone. As Reds Fanatic says it is all in fun. I am not a huge fan of celebratoin but I do not mind if it is after a score. What I dislike very much is when Madieu celebrates a tackle or a hit. Or a db celebrates after they make a play. Especially when a team is losing or in a close game there is no celebratoin needed when you make a play. If you score that is one thing, if you mearly make a good football play that is another.

First of all i love Chad's antics. But the thing is if anybody should be celebrating over a big play, is the defense because defense wins superbowls.

[TeamSelig]

For those comedy fans out there, Daniel Tosh says it best.

Something to the effect of: People sit on their couches and yell at the TV 'you just need to shut up and do your job, stop celebrating'.... Their job is to catch A BALL. It's really not that serious.

I guess there are just too many old school guys who really dislike the celebrations, but I don't see the harm in it. It's entertaining, and if you remember, someone has to score or make an accomplishment in order to do said celebration. As long as it doesn't slow the game down or offend/hurt anyone, who cares? Or who SHOULD care? No one IMO.

Just my 2 cents.

[Chip R]

Amen!

If we need the likes of Chad Johnson, and his antics, to spice up and make the games more interesting and fun to watch then the NFL ha a bigger problem.

I'm "old school" when it comes to receivers and scoring. Guys like Paul Warfield, Jerry Rice, Lance Alworth, Lynn Swann, Ozzie Newsome, Chris Collinsworth.

Class, grace, and dignity.

I don't need some idiot pulling his cellphone out in the endzone and calling his Mom. Just stupid.

If I was the opposng team I'd be out to wring his clock on that playing field as soon as possible.


GAC's just jealous cause there aren't any Browns who can get into the end zone on a regular basis. :p:

[traderumor]

Chad understands that whether it is his athletic feats or his trash talking, he is an entertainer.


Something to the effect of: People sit on their couches and yell at the TV 'you just need to shut up and do your job, stop celebrating'.... Their job is to catch A BALL. It's really not that serious.

[WMR]

Bump.

[BRM]

Interesting short thread. Thing is, I don't remember anyone posturing Chad to be a "me-first" player or a non-team guy in the other thread. I know I didn't. I think we all know Chad wants to win. So does Marvin Harrison. They just have different ways of showing it.

[Cedric]

Chad is the most entertaining player in the league, IMO. Isn't that what matters?

[RFS62]

Hardest working clown in show business.

[redsfanmia]

He could use some better material, that future HOF jacket didnt do a whole lot for me. I like him I think he is funny and does care about winning.

[rotnoid]

Chad is a breath of fresh air on a team that could use one. I applaud his PR efforts. One play he's holding his hammy and limping, the next he's going deep for 40 yards. A true gamesman. We're lucky to be seeing it every week.

[BRM]

Chad is the most entertaining player in the league, IMO. Isn't that what matters?

In your opinion, I guess. He's certainly not the most entertaining player in the league for me. If I wanted to watch a clown, I'd turn the channel to Nickelodeon.

[SunDeck]

In your opinion, I guess. He's certainly not the most entertaining player in the league for me. If I wanted to watch a clown, I'd turn the channel to Nickelodeon.

I agree, but I confess to being a total curmudgeon when it comes to sports. I believe a man should act like he's been there before. Score, hand the ball to the referee, get back to work and save the celebrating for the locker room.
Guys who watch their home runs deserve to take one in the rear end on the their next at bat. Receivers who create elaborate endzone celebrations deserve to have their heads take off on the next crossing pattern. Lineman who pound their chests like gorillas after sacking a quarterback deserve nothing but fruit and salad for a week.
Or...whatever happened to unsportsmanlike conduct?

[RFS62]

...whatever happened to unsportsmanlike conduct?



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