Dear Larry Johnson,

Let me be the first to congratulate you on your payday. Today, you ended your 25 day holdout and secured a five year extension worth $45 million, with $19 million of that guaranteed. It’s not LaDainian Tomlinson money, but it’s enough to make those sleepless, sore nights worth it. At this point in your carer, you’ve proved you’re worth the fat salary.

Last year was quite a year for you, wasn’t it Larry? You set the NFL record for most carries in a season with 416. Your name appears ahead of both Jamal Anderson and James Wilder in the NFL record books. What’s that mean? Well, let’s take a look at how Anderson and Wilder fared after their backbreaking groundbreaking seasons. Anderson, known affectionately as “The Dirty Bird,” carried the rock 410 times in 1998, helping the Falcons get all the way to the Super Bowl. The next year, he blew out his knee and never had more than 282 carries in a season again. As for Wilder, who carried the ball 407 times in 1984, it wasn’t much better. After another strenuous workload the following year, he faded into obscurity.

Let’s be honest, Larry. With Herm Edwards running the show in Kansas City, your chances of surviving this workload aren’t very good. Your 752 carries in consecutive years is another NFL record. And trust me, those two years were a lot easier than this one will be. Those teams had Willie Roaf and Will Shields, not to mention a veteran quarterback and elite tight end. This year’s Chiefs feature a rebuilt offensive line, no Trent Green, and a declining Tony Gonzalez. Yay!

Have a fun year, Larry! With that $19 million guaranteed, you’ll be able to afford all the ice your knees can handle.

Sincerely,

Ryan.