Chad Johnson?s vow of pseudo-silence is over. The Cincinnati Bengals receiver said Wednesday in a conference call with reporters that he?s once again making a list of players he plans to beat, and that starts this week with the Baltimore Ravens.
“I have been quieter,” said Johnson, who is known for his elaborate, fine-filled end-zone celebrations. “I thought maybe it would make a difference and get some of the double and triple teams off me by not approaching each week with my mouth. But obviously, that wasn?t working.”
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The logical choices for Johnson, a three-time Pro Bowler with 451 yards and two touchdowns this season, to put down on a list would be struggling Ravens cornerback Samari Rolle and Pro Bowler Chris McAlister. But apparently, Johnson?s got bigger fish to fry. He has No. 52, linebacker Ray Lewis, in his sights.
“The agenda? Hit him in the mouth,” Johnson said when asked for his plans for the two-time NFL defensive player of the year. “Chris and Samarihave made the list before and haven?t been able to do the job, so I?m going to go ahead and move up in the ranks.”
When told of Johnson?s comments, Lewis laughed, comparing him to one of his children who says he can fight him. Lewis said he talks to Johnson several times a week.
“Eighty-five, man, 85,” Lewis said, referring to Johnson?s jersey number. “I mean, I love that kid, so whatever he says, let him say it … if that?s how he feels. Seriously, it?s going to be a real good game. If he?s looking to come across the middle, we might meet.”
Lewis was one of the few players Wednesday to indulge Johnson?s trash-talking. Rolle and McAlister seemed unwilling to engage in the banter, sounding remarkably similar to head coach Brian Billick, who simply said: “Chad is a great player.”
Johnson said he stopped short of adding Lewis? fellow linebacker, Bart Scott, who gained national attention this week after boasting about hurting New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush.
“You know he?s out there hurting people intentionally, so I think I need to stay away from him,” Johnson said.
Even Scott, normally one of the team?s most colorful quotes, stopped short of playing Johnson?s game. He said someone who trash-talks as proficiently as Johnson raises the level of the game.
“Chad?s a funny guy,” Scott said. “I?m not going to jump into that pot. Chad?s a good guy.”
Johnson said his trash-talking comes naturally and promised: “I have some special stuff for the City of Baltimore. You know, 85 is coming in town. Hopefully, I can get in the end zone so I can show what I?ve got in store.”
“Chad is who he is and he does what he does,” Lewis said. “He?s a heck of a talent. If you feel like saying something, say it. Be careful, but say it.”
Hanging Chad
The following is a list of some of Chad Johnson?sgreatest TD celebrations:
» Sept. 25, 2005: Performs his version of the Irish Riverdance.
» Nov. 20, 2005: Gets down on one knee and asks a Bengals cheerleader to marry him.
» Nov. 27, 2005: Plays mini-golf at M&T Bank Stadium.
» Dec. 24, 2005: Puts on a Santa Claus suit and tosses presents into the stands.
