Titans running back Chris Johnson set the single-season record for yards from scrimmage (2,509) and became the sixth player to rush for more than 2,000 yards.
What makes this season even more impressive is that the NFL has moved to such a pass-first league and most teams have adopted the running-back-by-committee mentality.
Johnson had 590 more rushing yards than anyone in the league this year. Only O.J. Simpson‘s 2,003 yards in 1973 had a larger discrepancy among the six 2,000-yard seasons.
The success of the 5-11, 195-pound running back has also transcended the position. Players of his size were once seen as third-down backs, but Johnson’s success has put more emphasis on the importance of speed.
Johnson’s 40-time of 4.24 drew some attention at the combine, but he will really grab the headlines if he’s able to out sprint the fastest man in the world, Usain Bolt (a race that is reportedly in the works).
The Titans have missed the playoffs and Johnson will likely finish behind a group of quarterbacks in the MVP race. But when pundits look back at the 2009 season, it will be Johnson’s stats that will stand out over any other player.
