Fantasy Impact: An Interview With Raiders' CB Chris Johnson

Fantasy football has undoubtedly changed the landscape of professional football. Over the last few decades—particularly with the rise of the internet—these alterations have grown seemingly exponentially.

Millions of dollars and hours are spent on fantasy football, yet, as fans, we frequently have difficulties imagining how fantasy football affects the players. The superhero-like statuses that these men garner often make this task more difficult, as we sometimes get so caught up in the game that we fail to realize that, unlike most games, this one is based on reality.

Nowadays, most fans seem quick to judge and critique everything NFL players do, both on and off the field, yet very seldom do we see the same amount of praise. Many often respond to this fact by claiming that, as fans, they have a right to criticize and even boo their team's favorite players.

Fantasy football, which has taken the level of fan involvement to an entirely unique level, has only perpetuated this notion.

But is this truly the case?

How do NFL players feel about fantasy football and the way it has altered fans' involvement and attitudes?

For part three of my "Fantasy Impact" series, I spoke with Raiders' cornerback Chris Johnson to answer this question and find out more about the rising star.

1. How familiar with fantasy football were you when you came into the NFL, and how familiar are you with it now?

When I first came to the league, I thought that fantasy football only involved the offensive players on the team. I know now that is not the case. I still don’t know a great deal about it, but I do now that it is extremely popular and seems to be gaining popularity every year. I think it would be interesting to see how it would affect fantasy football if all of the defensive positions/players were incorporated into it.

2. Do you personally play fantasy football?

I have never played, but I’m considering getting into it next year.

3. Do any guys on the team play fantasy football? What is the feeling of the team and players in the NFL in general regarding fantasy football?

I know that there are guys in the league that are playing. I’m not sure really sure about the guys on the team. I’m sure some of them are into it, but it’s not discussed in the locker room.

4. How do you think fantasy football has changed the game?

It has really given fans and spectators a chance to get more involved in the game, which, in my opinion, draws a larger audience and a more dedicated fan base.

5. Does the fame and notoriety that offensive players get, particularly from fantasy football, ever annoy you?

No, I understand the game. As cliché as it sounds, I’ve often been told that offense sells tickets, defense wins games, and I’m okay with that.

6. How does playing with perhaps the league's best cornerback help you? What sort of things has Nnamdi taught you?

Playing opposite of a player like Nnamdi just helps me and makes me want to play that much harder and better because you know quarterbacks view him as one of the best. I want them to see us as a dangerous package.

7. Are you on Twitter? What do you think of players using Twitter? Did your coaches warn you against the dangers of using Twitter?

Yes, I am on Twitter. Fans can follow me on Twitter with the username ChrisJohnson_37. I don't see anything wrong with players being active on Twitter as long as they are responsible about it. I have several teammates and fans that are on Twitter and I think it is really a positive thing for both team and self-promotion. Like Chad (Ochocinco): I follow Chad and that guy cracks me up, and he creates buzz for the Bengals and the NFL in general.

8. Do you prefer to play man coverage or drop into a zone? What is your favorite zone coverage to play?

I prefer man coverage to zone because I can focus in on covering my man and I know it is just the two of us out there. I like the one on one situation.

9. How many different sorts of coverages do you have to learn? How much preparation goes into getting ready for each opponent?

Wow, there are so many! On any given week I can put in 12-16 hours a day to get ready for each opponent.

10. Is it true that at Louisville 's Pro Day you ran a 4.18 second 40-yard dash? With such blazing speed, do you find it easier to squat on certain routes because you know you have the speed to recover?

Yes, I did. That was a really great running day for me. It’s really all about what the route is and how long it will take me to get where I need to be. Most of the time I can depend on my speed to get me where I need to be when I need to be there.

11. What was the first thing you purchased after signing your new 4-year deal?

My first purchase was a home for myself and my family right outside of the Dallas/Fort Worth area. It felt great to buy a place where I grew up. My family and I really feel at home there.

12. Do you have any pre-game rituals? What is your favorite pre-game meal?

I pray before every game. I don’t have a favorite meal: I’ll eat whatever is going to give me the energy to perform.

13. Other than football, what else do you enjoy doing?

I always enjoy being with my family, watching movies or TV. I also enjoy playing video games. Madden is my favorite right now.

14. Anything you want to let your fans know, fantasy football-related or not?

I just want to say thank you to all my fans. I am at a really great place in my career right now, I love this game and I have so much love for all of my fans. Thank you all for your loyalty and sticking with me! Now send your boy to the Pro Bowl!