Johnson back with Argos for 9th year

The Toronto Argonauts re-signed their longest-serving player on Friday.

Running back Jeff Johnson, who will enter his ninth season with the team in 2010, is under contract through the 2011 Canadian Football League campaign.

"I look forward to helping the double blue return to our winning ways," Johnson said in a statement, referring to the Argos' 3-15 record this past season.

A triceps injury kept the Toronto native out of the Argos' lineup the first three weeks of last season, but Johnson returned to catch 14 passes for 80 yards and add another 52 yards on the ground for the season.

The 32-year-old Johnson scored three touchdowns and added four special teams tackles.

"He is one of our most consistent and reliable players who can play all of the skill positions on offence," Argos general manager Adam Rita said in a statement. "He goes into 2010 as our starting fullback and is a tremendous leader in the locker-room, on the field and in the community."

In 10 CFL seasons, Johnson has played 169 regular-season games, including 133 for Toronto, and 12 playoff games. He has scored 15 touchdowns, posted 93 total tackles and was part of the Argos' 2004 Grey Cup championship team.

Friday's move follows the re-signing of running back/slotback/kick returner Andre Durie on Thursday.