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The top five running backs in KC Chiefs history

By Jordan Mannix

HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 21: Running back Priest Holmes #31 of the Kansas City Chiefs scores a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the game at Reliant Stadium on September 21, 2003 in Houston, Texas. The Chiefs defeated the Texans 42-14. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 21: Running back Priest Holmes #31 of the Kansas City Chiefs scores a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the game at Reliant Stadium on September 21, 2003 in Houston, Texas. The Chiefs defeated the Texans 42-14. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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Larry Johnson

Larry Johnson has a bit of a fractured image within Chiefs Kingdom, for things he said during his time with the franchise and some things he’s said since, but two things can be true at once. Some things  should be frowned upon, but his accomplishments on the field were tremendous.

Johnson was an absolute force his senior season at Penn State. After three seasons of less than 100 touches but still healthy averages in yards per carry, Johnson got his opportunity. His senior season he carried the ball 271 times for an impressive 2,087 yards and an incredible 7.7 yards per carry. He added another 349 yards through the air for a total of 2,436 yards and 23 touchdowns. He was a 2002 Consensus All American and the recipient of the 2002 Doak Walker Award, Maxwell Award, and Walter Camp Player of the Year Award.

These exploits lead to Johnson being one of only two running backs to go in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft, in which he went 27th to the Kansas City Chiefs. This came as a surprise to many, as the Chiefs had arguably the league’s best running back in Priest Holmes as their starter. This indeed caused some tension over the years, but Johnson eventually got his chance to shine.

After an incredibly dominant stretch from 2001 to 2003, Holmes began to succumb to regular injuries. With more playing time in 2004, Johnson showed great promise with multiple games rushing over 100 yards. In particular, 2005 and 2006 are the primary reasons Johnson makes this list.

At the time, Johnson became the first and only other running back since Eric Dickerson with back-to-back 1,700 yard rushing seasons. He totaled an impressive 3,539 yards and 37 touchdowns on the ground in both seasons and added another 753 yards and 3 touchdowns through the air. He was the definition of a workhorse running back. Unfortunately, the 416 touches in 2006 would prove too much for his body to recuperate from going forward.

Johnson declined precipitously over the next several seasons due both to injury and a certain level of malcontent, but the fact remains his two-year stretch in 2005 and 2006 was an incredible one. He finished his career with the team with the second highest rushing yards all time, was a two-time Pro Bowler and one-time First Team All Pro.

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