Mar 30 2006
Another thumbs up for Keyshawn
Y’know, as I read columns like this one from Pete Prisco, I’m constantly reminding myself that Keyshawn is far from the worst troublemaker the Panthers have ever had at receiver. That makes me feel less cautious about this signing…
He has been called selfish, egocentric, cocky and an “I” guy, which is why some call Keyshawn Johnson by a not-so-nice nickname.
He’s “Me-shawn.”
But the way the Carolina Panthers view it, that was the old Keyshawn Johnson, the one who yearned for the spotlight nearly as much as he did the damn ball.
Want proof that Johnson, who signed a free-agent deal with the Panthers last week, is far different than people really know? He flew here to the site of the league’s winter meetings to meet Monday morning with coach John Fox because Fox was in Florida last week when Johnson signed with the Panthers in Charlotte.
Flew here on his dime, too.
“People have memories of Keyshawn when he was very, very young,” said Fox. “He’s grown up a lot as a player and a person. If anything, he’s going to be a real positive presence in our locker room.”
So basically, Keyshawn is Bernie Mac from “Mr. 3000.” He’s gotten through the selfish, stats-oriented portion of his career, and now he’s going to be the friendly, gregarious old guy in the corner locker who’s looking for one more shot at glory.
Now all the Panthers need are some linebackers, a tight end and some depth at running back. Good thing there’s a draft coming up next month.
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