It's Time for Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans to Earn His Big Contract

There are turning points in every player's career when we find out if they will end up being a Hall of Famer or just another ordinary player.

Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans broke out in 2009 by flirting with the single-season rushing record, making everyone aware that he deserves the biggest payday in the NFL.

The problem with that whole situation was the fact that Johnson still hadn't earned that kind of recognition, despite having that kind of a season.

Any player can have a breakout season that leaves people wondering if they're the next big thing, but the true stars stay consistent over time.

The even bigger stars play major roles in making their teams a contender week in and week out, and Johnson just didn't do that often enough in 2010.

During Johnson's holdout, he said he wanted to be one of the highest-paid players in the NFL. If you're going to ask for that kind of money, then there's no room for a 34-yard rushing performance against the class of the AFC in the second game of the season.

That's what Johnson did for the Titans against the Pittsburgh Steelers last season in a game that, had the Titans won, could've completely changed the way the season ended up.

Johnson is expected to hold out yet again the next time contract talks come up, but we still find ourselves in this same dilemma. He hasn't really shown us anything yet.

Many of the elite NFL defenses figured Johnson out last season, and that absolutely can't happen again in 2011.

If you thought the team needed Johnson last season, just wait until you start watching this season.

If Johnson can play like the highest-paid offensive player should play, then it's going to make the transition to the NFL so much easier on rookie quarterback Jake Locker.

It's now or never for Johnson if he wants to be considered one of the best in the game, especially considering that the shelf life of an NFL running back seems to decrease every year.

Javon Ringer also plays a minor role in Johnson's success, because it's important that Ringer is a dependable running back for the Titans when Johnson needs a breather.

The reality is the Titans are going to use Johnson a lot in 2011, and he'll need to keep those legs fresh by having a solid running back to help him out.

Johnson has a unique opportunity to prove how much he's worth by helping a team that has few veterans on offense and, frankly, few offensive weapons in general.

It's Johnson's team right now, and if he puts this team on his shoulders, then he could solidify himself as one of the best.

Now, football is obviously a team sport, and by no means can Johnson do it on his own. However, when you have Johnson's freakish athletic ability and speed, then there's no limitation to how much you can help your team win.

This also doesn't mean that Johnson has to rush for another 2,000 yards to be prove he's worth his big contract.

What he does have to do is deliver during times when the offense needs that big play from him, and he didn't do that very often in 2010.

The Titans offensive line should be a good one, and the defense should be far better than last season's pathetic excuse for a defense.

This team could come together and surprise some people if Johnson proves he's worth all that money he said he was worth before the 2010 season.