Calvin Johnson, the Hall of Fame wide receiver, has been announced as the latest addition to the Detroit Lions’ Pride of the Lions. This move indicates a positive step towards repairing the relationship between Johnson and the team. Following his retirement in 2015, there was a rift between Johnson and the Lions when the team asked him to repay part of his signing bonus. However, over the past few years, the Lions have made efforts to mend their relationship with the legendary player.
At halftime of the Sept. 30 game between the Lions and Seattle Seahawks on “Monday Night Football,” Johnson, aged 38, will be honored for his outstanding contribution to the team. As the franchise record holder for receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches, Johnson’s impact on the Lions’ history is undeniable. His six Pro Bowl selections and three first-team All-Pro appearances highlight his exceptional talent on the field.
The announcement of Johnson’s addition to the Pride of the Lions came as a surprise to the former player. Mike Disner, the Lions’ chief operating officer, revealed the news during Johnson’s charity golf tournament. Johnson, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021, described the moment as a “tearjerker” and expressed his gratitude for being celebrated by his peers and the city of Detroit.
Lions president and CEO Rod Wood emphasized Johnson’s legendary commitment to both the team and the city of Detroit. Describing the honor as well-deserved, Wood stated that Johnson’s legacy will be forever memorialized inside Ford Field. Johnson’s impressive career achievements have solidified his place among the best players in the history of the Lions franchise, making him a fitting addition to the Pride of the Lions.
The Pride of the Lions, established in 2009, pays tribute to the greatest players in the franchise’s history. By adding Calvin Johnson to this distinguished group, the Lions acknowledge his impact on the team and the city of Detroit. Johnson becomes the 21st former Lions player to receive this prestigious honor, cementing his legacy in the annals of Detroit Lions history.