A Look At The Detroit Lions Legend’s | Calvin Johnson (2007-2015)

Calvin Johnson: A Legendary Career

Calvin Johnson, also known as “Megatron”, was a standout wide receiver for the Detroit Lions from 2007 to 2015. He was one of the most dominant players in the NFL during his time, earning a reputation as one of the league’s top playmakers. In this blog post, we will look at Johnson’s career, his impressive stats, and the awards he earned throughout his time in the NFL.

Career

Johnson was drafted by the Detroit Lions with the 2nd overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. From the start, he proved to be an important asset to the Lions’ offense. In his rookie season, he caught 48 passes for 756 yards and four touchdowns. He continued to improve each season and by the 2011 season, he had become one of the top wide receivers in the league.

Johnson’s best season came in 2012 when he set the NFL single season record for receiving yards with 1,964 yards. He also caught 122 passes for five touchdowns that season, earning him his first All-Pro selection and Pro Bowl invitation. He went on to lead the NFL in receiving yards two more times in his career and was selected to six Pro Bowls in total.

Johnson Coming Home? Loves The New Direction & The Head Coach

Johnson suffered a fractured relationship after retiring from the NFL, when the Lions decided to recoup $1.6 million in prorated bonus ,money that Johnson was paid. Look, it was a dumb move by the Lions, but Mike Disner is putting this relationship back together with Calvin, and it wont be too much longer before Johnson is back in the Honolulu blue supporting his team at NFL functions and fan events. Johnson could share an invaluable amount of leadership and knowledge with the young players both on the field and off. Which exactly what a young team needs and should be the plan for the Lions Hall Of Fame wide receiver.

Johnson had the fortunate experience to play with the Detroit Lions current head coach, Dan Campbell. He has fond memories of the player in Dan Campbell and a new found admiration for the coach that Campbell has become.

When Johnson was on Keyshawn, JWill & Max Show’ on ESPN’s podcast network, he expressed his true love for the head coach.

““I love Dan, man. I played with Dan,” said Calvin. “I love Dan so much because, not only because he’s a teammate, but he’s a soldier, man. ”

Later on FanDuel TV’s “Up & Adams," Kay Adams asked Johnson about his time with Campbell as a teammate.

He’s a soldier, you know. I don’t know if all the guys know man Dan was out there starting tight end in the NFL basically with one arm—he’s like Robocop out there. He had like a cast on his whole arm,” Johnson said. “He was still starting, he was still productive—that’s why he was playing. That just goes to show you what kind of man he was. He played through pain.”

“To see this guy grind it out through pain, it’s the utmost respect that your peers can really have for you when they see you grind through that,” Johnson said. “You don’t have to, you can sit out, but he didn’t do that.”

March 17, 2023

Stats

Throughout his career, Johnson amassed 11,619 receiving yards and 83 touchdowns in just 135 games. He averaged 85.8 receiving yards per game, which ranks him 12th all-time in NFL history. He also ranks 11th all-time in receiving touchdowns. Johnson’s incredible statistics solidify his place as one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history.

Awards

Johnson’s impressive play on the field was recognized by the NFL and its fans. He was named to six Pro Bowls and was a three-time First-Team All-Pro selection. In addition to these honors, Johnson was also awarded the Bart Starr Man of the Year award in 2015 for his contributions on and off the field.

In conclusion, Calvin Johnson’s career with the Detroit Lions was nothing short of legendary. His impressive statistics and numerous awards are a testament to his talent and dedication to the sport of football. Johnson’s contributions to the NFL will always be remembered and he will forever hold a place in the hearts of Lions fans as one of the greatest players to ever wear the Detroit uniform.

Career Highlights & Awards

• 3× First-team All-Pro (2011–2013)
• Second-team All-Pro (2010)
• 6× Pro Bowl (2010–2015)
• 2× NFL receiving yards leader (2011, 2012)
• NFL receptions leader (2012)
• NFL receiving touchdowns co-leader (2008)
• NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
• PFWA All-Rookie Team (2007)
• Detroit Lions All-Time Team
• Biletnikoff Award (2006)
• ACC Player of the Year (2006)
• ACC Rookie of the Year (2004)
• 2× First-team All-American (2005, 2006)
• 3× First-team All-ACC (2004–2006)

NFL records

• Most receiving yards in a season: 1,964
• Most consecutive 100-yard receiving games: 8

Career NFL statistics

• Receptions | 731
• Receiving Yards | 11,619
• Yards Per Catch | 15.9
• Targets | 1,312
• Touchdowns | 83