NEW YORK — With a 2,000-yard
rushing season and the most yards from scrimmage in NFL history,
Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson has run away with The
Associated Press 2009 NFL Offensive Player of the Year award.
Considered the fastest man in the
NFL, Johnson was a blur for defenses in gaining 2,509 yards overall,
including 2,000 rushing. He is the sixth player to gain 2,000 yards on
the ground and the first to finish with at least 2,000 rushing and 500
receiving (503).
That earned the second-year pro 38
1/2 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters
who cover the NFL. Johnson easily beat New Orleans quarterback Drew
Brees, who received nine votes.