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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Hester, Johnson race vs. cheetah

Associated Press

Chris Johnson refuses to spoil the ending, so everyone will just have to tune in come November to see how he fared against a cheetah.

The Titans running back and Chicago receiver Devin Hester took part in the human versus animal race for a cable TV special.

While most people don’t give Hester or Johnson much of chance against a cheetah, Johnson says he ran at full speed.

“It was a cheetah,” Johnson said Friday with a laugh. “I had to.”

A year ago, some didn’t give Johnson a chance against defenses; he was repeatedly questioned whether he had lost a step, or more, coming off the worst season of his career in 2011. He responded by running for 1,243 yards in his third-best season yet.

And about that speed – Johnson scored three touchdowns of 80 yards or longer. He now has six such TDs in his career, twice as many as any other player in NFL history. So racing a cheetah for National Geographic’s Nat Geo Wild may help Johnson send a pre-emptive message before the season opens Sept. 8 in Pittsburgh.

“I haven’t lost any speed,” Johnson said. “I’m just ready to really get back on the field and continue to play this game.”

Quick kicks

The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to terms on a five-year deal with No. 1 overall pick Eric Fisher. … Washington Redskins defensive end Jarvis Jenkins has been suspended for four games without pay for violating the NFL’s policy on performance enhancing substances. … Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers says he was “shocked” when his friend Ryan Braun admitted he violated baseball’s rules against using performance- enhancing substances. … Packers cornerback Casey Hayward, who led NFL rookies last season with a team-high six interceptions, may miss two weeks of training camp because of a hamstring injury. … New York Jets wide receiver Santonio Holmes says he “can’t answer” whether he will be able to return to the field for the team this season as he recovers from a serious foot injury. … Offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie joined his Baltimore Ravens teammates on the field after missing the first day of training camp for being overweight. … Bengals All-Pro receiver A.J. Green has a bruised knee and will miss several days of practice.