By John Glennon

jglennon@tennessean.com

In his latter years with the Titans, running back Chris Johnson found it hard to escape whispers that he was a "me guy," at times more concerned with his own numbers than with the team's overall success.

Those whispers seemed to grow louder as Johnson's production decreased and he became more vocal about wanting a more significant role in the offense.

But in the hours after Johnson's release on Friday, a number of Titans defended the seventh-year pro's reputation, calling him a quality teammate who was well-respected in the locker room.

"There's not many guys at the skilled positions — most running backs and receivers — that don't want the ball, that don't have some sort of me-guy," said cornerback and team co-captain Jason McCourty, a five-year teammate of Johnson's.

"Everybody in the locker room isn't going to be the personality that you want him to be. You may want everybody to be a Ray Lewis, but that's not everybody's personality. What I can say for C.J. is that he practiced almost every day for six years and played every game. He was durable and he was there. … He was a good teammate and guys enjoyed his presence in the locker room and on the team."

Safety Michael Griffin was a first-round pick in 2007, one year before Johnson was a first-rounder. The two players, who both sported signature dreadlock hairstyles, soon became close friends.

Griffin said he had no problems with Johnson, who was in the middle of a six-year, $53.5 million contract, wanting to get his hands on the football as often as possible.

"If I'm getting paid 'X' amount of money, and I say I want the ball in my hands because I believe I can get the job done … I want that as a coach," Griffin said. "I want a player to be hungry and want the ball.

"I don't find that being a 'me person.' I find that it's somebody doing everything they can to help the football team out. I can't do nothing but applaud somebody for saying, 'Hey, give me the ball, I think I can get the job done.' "

Griffin believes the offense faces a sizable challenge in replacing Johnson, who gained nearly 8,000 rushing yards in six seasons.

"I don't know what our plan is on offense, but it's my personal opinion that those are some big shoes to fill, even though C.J. had little feet," Griffin said with a chuckle. "A guy of that caliber who can get out in the open field — whether it's running or catching the ball out of the backfield — can hit home runs, and that's something you just can't coach."

Johnson's most productive season was 2009, when he ran for 2,006 yards, added 503 receiving yards and scored six touchdowns. He ran for fewer than 1,100 yards in two of the last three seasons, but tight end Craig Stevens — a member of Johnson's draft class — said he never witnessed a change in Johnson's approach or effort, never felt like he was a "me" guy.

"The truth is I have a lot of respect for someone who practices every day and doesn't miss a football game. He took a beating every single game he was out there and he still ran hard every game," Stevens said. "The running back position is probably the most physical position on the field. Every time you have the football, you're taking a hit. ... I think he's a tough dude."

Quarterback Jake Locker knows he will no longer be able to rely on Johnson, who had 279 carries and 42 receptions last season.

"He was obviously very productive over his career here and helped this football team become one of the best rushing attacks in the league," Locker said. "I hope nothing but the best for Chris wherever he ends up and was honored to compete with him the last three years."

Reaction on Twitter from some current and former Titans:

WR Marc Mariani: "Gonna miss my dude @ChrisJohnson28. Good luck out there brother!"

T Michael Roos: "It's been a fun 6 years @ChrisJohnson28. Good luck next year bro!

CB Alterraun Verner: So Tennessee let me guy @chrisjohnsontwo8 go. It's a sad day to see a man who plays the way he played. What he sacrificed for the team to be let go. He's been the backbone of that offense for years! I know he will do great things for a team who feels he can still go! Much luck and respect to my guy!"

RB Eddie George: "@ChrisJohnson28 you had an amazing run here. Truly one of the Greatest Running Backs I've seen ... You will be missed. #stillGr8yearsahead

Reach John Glennon at 615-259-8262 and on Twitter @glennonsports.