NEW ORLEANS – Chris Johnson and LenDale White have been reunited here at Super Bowl LIX.
The dynamic rushing duo became known simply as Smash & Dash during their playing days with the Titans. On Radio Row, they've been making the rounds for their podcast, appropriately named, Smash & Dash.
"I think I was made for talking," White said with a smile. "It's pretty easy for me. I think both of us were made for radio, talking. We played sports, so we know everything about the game. We're highly intelligent. So, we're really just giving our expertise about stuff we've done."
In an interview with TennesseeTitans.com, the former teammates talked about their love for the Titans, and each other.
They also shared their thoughts on what the Titans should do with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft, and more.
"We said on our show: With the first pick … We want Travis Hunter," White said of the Heisman Trophy winner from Colorado. "No disrespect to Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward, but he's a generational talent. Obviously, he plays corner, but I don't think we give him enough credit for what he does on the offensive side of the football."
"We need Travis, man," Johnson agreed.
A first-round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, Johnson played 10 NFL seasons, including from 2008-2013 with the Titans. During his career, Johnson rushed for 9,651 yards and 55 touchdowns, while adding another 2,255 yards and nine receiving touchdowns.
White, drafted by the team a few years earlier, played from 2006-2009 with the Titans, where he ran for 2,349 yards.
The two became fast friends in Tennessee.
"Even when I got drafted, I was like, I'm going to a team where they have Vince Young and LenDale White, Texas and USC," Johnson said. "All my college teammates were like: You're going to play with Vince Young and LenDale White. When I finally got in and met (LenDale), he was down to earth. We just started hanging out like family."
White recently turned 40, and Johnson turns 40 later this year.
White credits Johnson for helping get him through some dark times, and "depression," after his playing days.
"We've always had genuine love for one another," White said of Johnson. "I believe I'm who I am because of a guy like (C.J.)"
Looking back, Johnson and White said their days in Tennessee rank among the best times of their lives.
"Smash & Dash forever," White said. "The reason why I think we're able to run with that today is because of the time we had together in Nashville. 615, Cashville, is a special place. It will never not be a special place for me. They gave us our shot to be professional football players, and we are thankful forever."
Johnson and White have high hopes the team can get back on track.
They'll be watching this offseason to see how things unfold.
As podcast hosts, not surprisingly they have opinions.
"I think we get A-Rod to come and take the place for right now," White said of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. "Then we draft at No.1, Travis Hunter. We have running backs already, so we get A-Rod and then we can work on our defense."
"Yeah, and we can trade and get Myles Garrett," Johnson said of the Browns edge rusher. "But I'm pretty sure it's harder to do that just saying."
Hey, it's fun to talk about nonetheless.
No matter what happens, they'll be cheering their team on.
"We're Titan Up regardless," White said with a smile. "We don't like what's going on – clearly we want to win. But we're forever Titans."
