In a scene reminiscent of the 90s cult classic Boyz in the Hood, on Sunday morning former Jets and Titans running back Chris Johnson was injured in a drive by shooting that left one man dead. The incident occurred in Orlando, Florida shortly after 4am. The three men stopped at a traffic light when another car pulled up and opened fire.
The 29-year-old running back was shot in the shoulder, the driver of the vehicle, Dreekin Oricko Johnson (28) was killed, and another passenger, Reggie Johnson (29) was wounded in the hand, leg, and shoulder. It is not known at this time if the three men were related. Chris Johnson and the other survivor are listed in stable condition and Johnson is expected to make a full recovery. Authorities have said the investigation is ongoing.
Johnson’s life off the field seems to be simultaneously declining with his gridiron greatness. He was signed to a two-year, $8 million deal by the Jets last April, after six years with the Tennessee Titans, but the close associate of rapper Lil’ Wayne had his worst statistical season while splitting time with Chris Ivory. He ran for 663 yards – his first season under 1,000 – and one touchdown.
Johnson is a far cry from the dynamic player with game-changing speed who ran for 2,006 yards in 2009, earning him his ”CJ2K” nickname while with the Titans and iconic status among hip-hop/sports fans.
Johnson, who has rushed for 8,628 yards and 51 touchdowns and caught 296 passes for 2,154 yards and nine TDs in his NFL career after being a first-round pick out of East Carolina in 2008, was arrested in Orlando in January on a misdemeanor weapons charge.
Now we know why he stays strapped.
