Rudi Talks with Rich Eisen

[BengalszoneBilly]

A conversation with Rudi Johnson:

Three years ago, not many people outside of Auburn, Ala., or Cincinnati knew who Rudi Johnson was. But after a breakout year in 2003 followed by a Pro Bowl appearance in 2004, Johnson is a well-known player all over the country. Johnson recently signed a five-year deal to stay with the Bengals, keeping the offensive unit intact. NFL Total Access anchor Rich Eisen spoke with Johnson about his team's future. NFL Total Access airs Monday through Saturday at 7 p.m. ET/PT (aired March 16, 2005).

Rich Eisen: The pieces are firmly in place in Cincinnati, and one of the guys who just got his long-term contract is Pro Bowl running back Rudi Johnson. You must be, other than thrilled, relieved must be another way to describe your emotions.

Rudi Johnson: Yes, you could say that. You know, the main thing with me, I'm just happy we got it done. It's been a long time coming. We finally worked it out. My agent took care of his business. The Bengals stepped up and they made it happen. Now the pieces are in place, so we just have to make a run for it.

Eisen: Have you paused at any moment in the last 24 hours to think about where you've come from and how far you've come in just a short period of time?

Johnson: Of course. I always reflect, look back on where I came from and how I got here. And at the same time I know I finally made it, so now I just have to keep going forward and keep being successful, and just work even harder.

Eisen: Did Chad Johnson talk to you? Did Chad hit you on your hip?

Johnson: Oh, I talked to him. Earlier this morning I saw Chad in the weight room, he was working out, getting a head start on everybody. So, we chatted earlier, but he'll give me another call later on tonight.

Eisen: I know when he was out here on NFL Total Access was the day on which you were franchised tag officially. And he was sitting there a little concerned because he knew that might not sit very well with you. So he must be real pleased about this.

Rudi Johnson is happy to stay in Cincinnati.

Johnson: Chad is very happy. It's funny because me, Chad and T.J. Houshmandzadeh all came out the same year. We all got drafted together. And just to know that we will all be together for the next five years, it just means something real special to all three of us.

Eisen: That's right, T.J. re-signed with the team. Obviously everyone knows Carson Palmer is wrapped up for a while. And Chad is Chad, and you're in the mix now. What can we expect out of this offense moving forward, Rudi?

Johnson: Expect everything. I mean, the sky's the limit. I think we have an offense that can be explosive and can control the clock. So I think we're well balanced all the way around. The main thing we have to do now is to continue to work together, and having a great offseason workout together and just continue to grow. That's the main thing that I was happy and pleased about in coming back to Cincinnati -- I've got a chance to grow with these guys.

Eisen: With your newfound cash, you going to help Chad get an upgrade on his teeth?

Johnson: Chad is a good man. He doesn't need any more teeth. He's good with what he's got.

Eisen: I know, my yearly salary puts in his mouth when he goes to work. It's unbelievable.

Johnson: He walks it like he talks it.

Eisen: Do you think the long-term contract you just received was the latest indication that these are not the same old Bengals?

Johnson: I believe so. That's one of the main reasons why I wanted to come back. Just to show everybody that it's not the same old Bengals. That we're going to turn this thing around and we're going to get back to where we need to go. I was here for the lows and the highs. So I was definitely here from rock bottom, when we won two games, we went 2-14 one year, and I was here for that. So I'm just trying to stick around and be here for the good times.

Eisen: Is there something you were waiting to get your long-term deal to go out and purchase Rudi, if you don't mind me prying?

Johnson: The main thing I'm going to buy is another house in Cincinnati now that I know I'm going to be here for the next five years. So that's my main focus right now, purchase another house in Cincinnati and get ready for offseason workouts.