MOBILE, Ala. – The time, like running back Chris Johnson, has gone by fast.
It was 17 years ago when Johnson was taking part in Senior Bowl activities, coming off a stellar career at East Carolina.
"Oh man," Johnson said with a smile. "I loved every minute of it."
The Titans, of course, fell in love with Johnson – they ended up picking him in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Johnson turned into one of the most electrifying – and successful – players in franchise history.
Fast forward to today – Johnson is back at the Senior Bowl, mentoring and scouting the running backs leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft.
"I'm taking these guys around, taking them to the places they need to get to, and also giving them knowledge and talking to them about the game," Johnson said. "And, also helping mentor these kids. When you come here there is so much going on, but you have to stay focused and compete.
"But the overall, main thing I am doing is scouting the running backs. It is something I'd like to continue to do and hopefully I can get with a team and help them out with scouting the running backs, with mentorship, and all those kinds of things. I'm kind of getting my feet wet."
A year ago, Johnson was one of 20 NFL Legends that expressed interest in a career in scouting. He was invited to NFL Scout School at the Senior Bowl to expand his knowledge and determine just what his overall interest might be. At Scout School, Johnson learned the fundamentals of scouting from current scouts and coaches.
The course was led by Senior Bowl Executive Director Jim Nagy, an 18-year NFL scouting veteran. After Scout School, Johnson was invited to come back to the Senior Bowl as a mentor, and adviser.
Johnson, who was inducted into the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame in 2023, believes he has a passion for scouting.
"Just from me having a career, and watching so much tape," Johnson said. "When I came to the Scout School and went through everything … and then actually going to college games and scouting kids and reporting back to Jim Nagy, it is amazing. It's a way for me to stay in the game and stay up on how the game is changing."
Johnson played 10 NFL seasons, including from 2008-2013 with the Titans. Johnson rushed for 9,651 yards and 55 touchdowns, while adding another 2,255 yards and nine receiving touchdowns.
Oklahoma State's Ollie Gordon II, USC's Jo'quavious Marks, Michigan's Donovan Edwards, Miami (Fla.)'s Damien Martinez, Virginia Tech's Bhayshut Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr. are the running backs for the National Team.
SMU's Brashard Smith, Georgia's Trevor Etienne, Delaware's Marcus Yams, Central Florida's RJ Harvey, Auburn's Jarquez Hunter and Devin Neal of Kansas are the running backs on the American team.
"We have some good running backs in this year's (Senior Bowl) class, and I think they're going to surprise a lot of people," Johnson said. "I think it's going to be a good class, and I think they're going to help themselves a lot out here."
Johnson said he'll share his own personal story to inspire all the running backs at the Senior Bowl.
"For me, being a young kid coming from a smaller school, and being able to compete with all the top talent from across the country," Johnson said. "I was so ready to come out here and prove I belonged on the field with those guys.
"So, for them, it is me trying to let them know to come out here and don't think too much about it. Just compete, and show that you belong out here."
