Derrick Johnson credits Gruden for decision to sign with Raiders

The free-agent market provided Derrick Johnson with a handful of suitors, but the return of Jon Gruden to the Oakland Raiders led the veteran linebacker to ultimately pick the team he once considered a rival.

"He's a very inspiring man," Johnson said of his new head coach Wednesday during an appearance on NFL Network. "He's a guy who can get the players to play at a high level. He's a proven winner. He's a guy who has a lot of respect in this league and I have a lot of respect for him, and definitely a big reason why I ventured this way."

Johnson spent 13 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs before taking his talents to Oakland on a one-year deal. He was a four-time Pro Bowler over his time with the Chiefs.

The 35-year-old added it was his meeting with the Raiders that assured him signing with the Silver and Black would be the right decision.

"The biggest thing was the Raiders had more of a plan for me," Johnson said. "At this age, when you have a plan for a guy that's 35 years old, that's an opportunity you have to look into more. Meeting the coaching staff, meeting everybody here at the organization - I've always had respect for the Raiders even though I wanted to tear their heads off playing for K.C. - but just having the utmost respect for them, great organization, glad to be here."