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          Jamaal Charles surprised by hard hit

          • ESPN.com news services
          Jan 27, 2014, 10:32 AM ET

          Jamaal Charles didn't anticipate such a hard hit from a teammate, especially in the Pro Bowl.

          But Charles said he was not mad at Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson, who delivered a crushing high tackle to his Kansas City teammate during Sunday's game in Honolulu.

          "I didn't expect it, but he's out there doing his thing," said Charles, who was knocked out of Kansas City's Jan. 4 playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts with a concussion. "I can't get mad at him -- it's just about football, and you've just got to be ready."

          Johnson, who was selected as the game's defensive MVP for Team Rice, belted Charles on a running play in the first half. The linebacker appeared to lower his shoulder into Charles' shoulder/head area, knocking him to the turf.

          Johnson evidently was not concerned about hitting Charles less than a month removed from his concussion.

          "If you stand back, he's going to make you look pretty bad," said Johnson, who had nine tackles in the game. "So I had to go out and really give it to him.

          "I would never try to hurt my teammate at all, but compete a little bit."

          Johnson took to Twitter later Sunday night, expressing no remorse for his hit on Charles.

          Johnson and Team Rice defeated Charles and Team Sanders 22-21 in the first schoolyard-style Pro Bowl.

          Charles, who rushed for 43 yards on five carries, and Johnson both were appearing in their third Pro Bowl.

          The Associated Press contributed to this report.