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Why Derrick Johnson signed with Raiders after 13 years with Chiefs

Derrick Johnson is still learning names at Raiders HQ, and referred to his fellow linebackers by number on a conference call with reporters Wednesday afternoon in fear of botching their names.

“Just tall guys, rangy guys, athletic guys. 54 (Emmanuel Lamur) to 59 (Tahir Whitehead) to 55 (Marquel Lee). Man, it’s pretty cool,” Johnson said. “I don’t wanna mess anybody’s name up. That’s why I’m calling numbers.

“They’ve really accepted me well … This is different for me. I’ve always had to do that, people coming in, new, but it’s pretty cool to be on the other side of it so I’m up for the challenge.