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{{Short description|American football player (born 1985)}}{{Other people||Calvin Johnson (disambiguation)}}{{Use American English|date=October 2022}}{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2024}}

factoids

| birth_place = Newnan, Georgia, U.S.| height_ft = 6| height_in = 5| weight_lb = 237Sandy Creek High School>Sandy Creek (Tyrone, Georgia)Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football>Georgia Tech (2004–2006)| draftyear = 2007| draftround = 1List of second overall NFL draft picks>2| pastteams =

• Detroit Lions ({{NFL Year|2007|2015}})| status = | highlights =
• 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
• Fred Biletnikoff Award (2006)
• Unanimous All-American (2006)
• First-team All-American (2005)
• ACC Player of the Year (2006)
• ACC Rookie of the Year (2004)
• 3× First-team All-ACC (2004–2006)

NFL records

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

Reception (gridiron football)>Receptions| statvalue1 = 731| statlabel2 = Receiving yards| statvalue2 = 11,619| statlabel3 = Yards per reception| statvalue3 = 15.9| statlabel4 = Receiving touchdowns| statvalue4 = 83| nfl = calvin-johnson| pfr = JohnCa00| CollegeHOF = 2424| HOF = Calvin-Johnson}}Calvin Johnson Jr., (born September 29, 1985) is an American former football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons with the Detroit Lions. Nicknamed "Megatron" after the Transformers character of the same name, he is regarded as one of the greatest wide receivers of all time.WEB, Harrison, Elliot, March 8, 2016, Ten best receivers of all time,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20190502001817weblink">weblink May 2, 2019, April 11, 2020, NFL.com, He played college football for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, winning the Fred Biletnikoff Award as a junior, and was selected by the Lions second overall in the 2007 NFL draft.Johnson was noted for having a rare combination of size (6 ft 5 in and 239 lbs), catching ability, speed (40-yard dash in 4.35 seconds), strength, leaping ability,WEB, Clayton, John, February 26, 2007, Johnson impresses at combine,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20171107062338weblink">weblink November 7, 2017, March 4, 2019, ESPN.com, WEB, Calvin Johnson's Georgia Tech profile,weblink dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20071010033933weblink">weblink October 10, 2007, February 18, 2007, RamblinWreck.com, Georgia Tech Athletic Association, and body control. In 2012, he set the NFL season record for receiving yards.WEB, Smith, Michael David, December 23, 2012, Jerry Rice's single-season record falls to Calvin Johnson,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20121223082424weblink">weblink December 23, 2012, December 23, 2012, Pro Football Talk, WEB, NFL Receiving Yards Single-Season Leaders,weblink live,weblink January 21, 2023, January 21, 2023, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, Johnson is also tied with Michael Irvin for 100-yard games in a season,WEB, Smith, Michael David, December 23, 2012, Calvin Johnson breaks NFL record for consecutive 100-yard games,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20121223082422weblink">weblink December 23, 2012, December 23, 2012, Pro Football Talk, tied with Adam Thielen for consecutive 100-yard games, and holds the record for consecutive games with 10 or more receptions. He appeared in six consecutive Pro Bowls from 2010 to 2015 and received three consecutive first-team All-Pro selections from 2011 to 2013.While still regarded as being in his prime, Johnson retired after the 2015 season, citing a loss of passion for the game due to health concerns and the Lions' lack of overall success during his tenure. He was inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2018 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021.

Early years

Johnson was born to Calvin Johnson Sr. and Arica Johnson on September 29, 1985, in Newnan, Georgia.WEB, Calvin Johnson {{!, #81 {{!}} WR |url=http://www.nfl.com/players/profile?id=JOH088640 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110703072800weblink |archive-date=July 3, 2011 |access-date=December 30, 2010 |website=NFL.com}}MAGAZINE, Alberta, Tim, June 19, 2016, A Lions fan learns about fatherhood from Calvin Johnson Sr.,weblink live,weblink November 16, 2020, November 14, 2020, Sports Illustrated, en-us, Johnson's mother holds a Doctor of Education. Johnson's parents stressed education in his childhood, forbidding him from playing sports if he didn't receive As and Bs in school.WEB, Rothstein, Michael, January 8, 2016, Education important to Calvin Johnson, including getting his degree,weblink live,weblink April 3, 2022, April 3, 2022, ESPN.com, Johnson was 6 feet tall in middle school, and 6 feet 4 inches as a sophomore in high school.WEB, Glier, Ray, August 28, 2006, Georgia Tech's star receiver just can't miss,weblinkweblink May 2, 2019, September 17, 2007, USA Today, He attended Sandy Creek High School in Tyrone, Georgia, and was a letterman in football and a baseball standout. In football, he was a three-year starter as a wide receiver for the Patriots football team. As a sophomore, he made 34 receptions for 646 yards and 10 touchdowns. As a junior, Johnson caught 40 passes for 736 yards and eight touchdowns.WEB, September 24, 2004, Freshman Faces in the Crowd,weblink dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20041029224658weblink">weblink October 29, 2004, May 17, 2007, The Technique, His #81 was retired on October 22, 2010.WEB, October 22, 2010, Sandy Creek to retire Calvin Johnson's number,weblink dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20131029203043weblink">weblink October 29, 2013, October 11, 2011, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, GHSF Daily, Johnson was rated among the nation's top 10 wide receivers and top 100 players by virtually every recruiting analyst. He was tabbed the No. 4 wide receiver and No. 15 player in the nation by TheInsiders.com, and named to the Super Southern 100 by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Rivals 100 by Rivals.com, TheInsiders.com Hot 100, the SuperPrep All-America 275, and the Prep Star Top 100 Dream Team.Johnson was also rated as the best player in Georgia, No. 12 in the Southeast and No. 37 in the nation by Rivals.com, the No. 7 wide receiver in the nation by SuperPrep, and first-team all-state selection (Class AAAA) by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Finally, he was tabbed to the AJC's preseason Super 11. By the time he was a junior, he was ranked as within the top 10 wide receivers and the top 100 players in the nation by almost every writer.{{College athlete recruit start|year=2004|40=yes}}{{College athlete recruit entry| recruit = Calvin JohnsonWide receiver>WR| hometown = Tyrone, GeorgiaSandy Creek High School>Sandy Creek HS| feet = 6| inches = 4| weight = 213| 40 = 4.27| commitdate = January 12, 2004| scout stars = 5| rivals stars = 4}}{{College athlete recruit end| 40 = yes| year = 2004| rivals ref title = 2004 Georgia Tech Football Commitment List| scout ref title = 2004 Georgia Tech College Football Team Recruiting Prospects| rivals school = georgiatech| scout s = 140| scout overall = 3 (WR); 34 (school)Georgia (U.S. state)>GA); 50 (school)| access-date = August 17, 2013| archive-date = | rivals archiveurl=| scout archiveurl = | espn archiveurl = }}

College career

(File:Calvin Johnson midair pass cropped.jpg|thumb|left|Calvin Johnson catching a pass for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets)Johnson attended the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he played for head coach Chan Gailey's Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team from 2004 to 2006. Despite Georgia Tech being interested in his playing both football and baseball, Johnson's mother refused to allow Johnson to play both sports after determining that the year-round athletic schedule would be too demanding.WEB, Battista, Judy, April 26, 2007, Johnson Has No Baggage and a Seat in First Class,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20150705142740weblink">weblink July 5, 2015, January 30, 2016, The New York Times, As a freshman in 2004, Johnson was an immediate contributor. He made his collegiate debut against Samford and had two receptions for 45 receiving yards in the 28–7 victory.WEB, Samford at Georgia Tech Box Score, September 4, 2004,weblink live,weblink July 23, 2017, May 1, 2020, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, In the following game, against Clemson, he had eight receptions for 127 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns in the 28–24 victory.WEB, Georgia Tech at Clemson Box Score, September 11, 2004,weblink live,weblink July 22, 2017, May 1, 2020, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, On October 16, against Duke, he had six receptions for 92 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns in the 24–7 victory.WEB, Duke at Georgia Tech Box Score, October 16, 2004,weblink live,weblink June 23, 2020, May 1, 2020, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, On November 13, against Connecticut, he had six receptions for 131 receiving yards in the 30–10 victory.WEB, Connecticut at Georgia Tech Box Score, November 13, 2004,weblink live,weblink July 23, 2017, May 1, 2020, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, In the next week's game against Virginia, he had five receptions for 108 receiving yards in the 30–10 loss.WEB, Virginia at Georgia Tech Box Score, November 20, 2004,weblink live,weblink July 23, 2017, May 1, 2020, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, He ended his freshman campaign against Syracuse in the 2004 Champs Sports Bowl, where he recorded two receptions for 61 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown to go along with a rushing touchdown in the 51–14 victory.WEB, Champs Sports Bowl – Syracuse vs Georgia Tech Box Score, December 21, 2004,weblink live,weblink March 6, 2019, March 2, 2019, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, Johnson was the Yellow Jackets' leading receiver with 48 catches for 837 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns, which were Georgia Tech freshman records.WEB, Calvin Johnson 2004 Game Log,weblink live,weblink March 6, 2019, March 2, 2019, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, Johnson earned a first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) selection. He was named ACC Rookie of the Year.WEB, December 8, 2004, Johnson Named ACC Rookie of the Year,weblink live,weblink January 9, 2020, November 14, 2020, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, en-US, Johnson started the 2005 season with four receptions for 66 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown in a 23–14 victory over Auburn.WEB, Georgia Tech at Auburn Box Score, September 3, 2005,weblink live,weblink July 22, 2017, May 1, 2020, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, In the next game, he had six receptions for 114 receiving yards in a 27–21 victory over North Carolina.WEB, North Carolina at Georgia Tech Box Score, September 10, 2005,weblink live,weblink July 22, 2017, May 1, 2020, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, The game featured Georgia Tech having two 100-yard receivers in the same game for the sixth time in school history, Johnson and Damarius Bilbo, who had 131.WEB, 2020 Georgia Tech Football Information Guide,weblink live,weblink November 14, 2020, November 14, 2020, RamblinWreck.com, On September 24, against Virginia Tech, he had five receptions for 123 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown in the 51–7 loss.WEB, Georgia Tech at Virginia Tech Box Score, September 24, 2005,weblink live,weblink July 22, 2017, May 1, 2020, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, In the following game, against North Carolina State, he recorded a collegiate career-best ten receptions for 130 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown in the 17–14 loss.WEB, North Carolina State at Georgia Tech Box Score, October 6, 2005,weblink live,weblink July 22, 2017, May 1, 2020, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, He earned first-team All-American honors for the 2005 season.WEB, Spain, Garrett, September 20, 2008, Amazing or what,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20080925091259weblink">weblink September 25, 2008, May 1, 2020, Bleacher Report, en, He also earned All-ACC honors for the second straight year and was a semifinalist for the Fred Biletnikoff Award.WEB, November 15, 2005, Sharon Named Semifinalist For Biletnikoff Award,weblink live,weblink November 23, 2020, November 14, 2020, Bowling Green State University Athletics, en, He led the team with 54 catches for 888 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns.WEB, Calvin Johnson 2005 Game Log,weblink live,weblink March 6, 2019, March 2, 2019, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, Johnson was named a team captain going into his junior season. He entered his 2006 season in the running for the Biletnikoff Award and Heisman Trophy. Although Johnson finished tenth in the Heisman voting, he won the Biletnikoff as the season’s outstanding college football receiver.WEB, 2006 Heisman Trophy Voting,weblink live,weblink March 22, 2019, March 2, 2019, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, WEB, Fred Biletnikoff Award Winners,weblink live,weblink April 2, 2019, March 2, 2019, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, He started the season with seven receptions for 111 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown in the 14–10 loss to Notre Dame.WEB, Notre Dame at Georgia Tech Box Score, September 2, 2006,weblink live,weblink March 22, 2019, May 1, 2020, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, In the following game, he had four receptions for 26 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns in the 38–6 victory over Samford.WEB, Samford at Georgia Tech Box Score, September 9, 2006,weblink live,weblink July 22, 2017, May 1, 2020, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, Against the West Virginia Mountaineers in the Toyota Gator Bowl, Johnson had nine catches for a collegiate-career best 186 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns, albeit in a 38–35 loss.WEB, Finder, Chuck, December 30, 2006, Gator Bowl: Georgia Tech receiver is tops,weblink dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20070929104620weblink">weblink September 29, 2007, August 10, 2007, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, WEB, Kiper, Mel, January 1, 2007, West Virginia vs. Georgia Tech: ESPN's Take,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20070213041550weblink">weblink February 13, 2007, August 10, 2007, ESPN, In the game, he passed Jonathan Smith for the school record for receiving yards in a single season and also moved past Kelly Campbell to be the school's all-time leader in receiving yards for a career.WEB, Brimmer, Adam Van, January 1, 2007, Tech's Johnson still mum on future,weblink live,weblink November 16, 2020, November 14, 2020, Savannah Morning News, en, In addition, Johnson's 186 receiving yards set a school record for receiving yards in a bowl game. Johnson was honored as the ACC Player of the Year, was a first-team All-ACC selection for the third consecutive year, and was recognized as a unanimous All-American.WEB, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets All-America Selections,weblink live,weblink November 12, 2020, November 14, 2020, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, Overall, Johnson tallied 1,202 receiving yards on 76 catches.WEB, Calvin Johnson 2006 Game Log,weblink live,weblink March 6, 2019, March 2, 2019, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, WEB, ACC Offensive Player of the Year Winners,weblink live,weblink May 2, 2019, March 2, 2019, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, WEB, ACC Player of the Year Winners,weblink live,weblink May 2, 2019, March 2, 2019, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, Johnson's 15 receiving touchdowns were a new Georgia Tech single-season record.WEB, ACC Leaders,weblink dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20070324121657weblink">weblink March 24, 2007, February 18, 2007, NCAASports.com, WEB, Consensus All-America Teams (2000–2009),weblink live,weblink March 14, 2018, March 2, 2019, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en, In his collegiate career, Johnson made a case for being the greatest Georgia Tech player of all time.WEB, The Top Ranked Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Football Players of All-Time,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20201121072430weblink">weblink November 21, 2020, November 14, 2020, AinsworthSports.com, WEB, Silvers, Blake, February 2, 2012, Georgia Tech Football: Top 5 Receivers in School History,weblink live,weblink December 2, 2021, November 14, 2020, Bleacher Report, en, Johnson had 178 receptions for 2,927 yards and 28 touchdowns during his time with the Yellow Jackets. He ranks first in school history in career receiving yards, second in receptions, first in touchdown receptions, and first in career 100-yard receiving games with 13.

Statistics{| class"wikitable" style"text-align:center;"

! colspan="3" style="{{CollegePrimaryStyle|Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets|color=white}}"| Calvin Johnson! colspan="4"| Receiving! colspan="4"| Rushing! Season !! Team !! {{abbr|GP|Games played}} !! {{abbr|Rec|Receptions}} !! {{abbr|Yds|Receiving yards}} !! {{abbr|Avg|Yards per reception}} !! {{abbr|TD|Receiving touchdowns}} !! {{abbr|Att|Rushing attempts}} !! {{abbr|Yds|Rushing yards}} !! {{abbr|Avg|Yards per rushing attempt}} !! {{abbr|TD|Rushing touchdowns}}! 2004 || Georgia Tech17.4 >| 1! 2005 || Georgia Tech| 0! 2006 || Georgia Tech76 >1,202 >15 >7 >30 >4.3 >| 0! colspan="2"|Career !! 38 !! 178 !! 2,927 !! 16.4 !! 28 !! 10 !! 40 !! 4.0 !! 1

School records

• Receiving yards for a career – 2,927WEB, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets Receiving,weblink live,weblink March 6, 2019, March 2, 2019, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, en,
• Receiving yards in a single season – 1,202 (2006)
• Receiving touchdowns for a career – 28
• Receiving touchdowns in a single season – 15 (2006)
• 100-yard games in a career – 13
• 100-yard games in a single season – 7 (2006)

College awards and honors

File:Calvin johnson Biletnikoff.jpg|thumb|right|Calvin Johnson's Fred Biletnikoff AwardFred Biletnikoff Award

• First-team Freshman All-American 2004
• All-American 2005 and 2006
• First-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference, 2004, 2005, and 2006
• ACC Rookie of the Year, 2004
• ACC Player of the Year, 2006
• Four-time ACC Rookie of the Week
• Biletnikoff Award, 2006
• Paul Warfield Trophy, 2006WEB, Perfett, Chris, March 8, 2016, Calvin Johnson says goodbye to the Lions,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20160514105216weblink">weblink May 14, 2016, June 17, 2022, Pride Of Detroit, en,
• 10th place in 2006 Heisman Trophy voting – 43 total votes (76 receptions, 1,202 yards, 15.8 avg, 15 touchdowns)WEB, 2006 Heisman Trophy Voting,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20120102091118weblink">weblink January 2, 2012, June 17, 2022, College Football at Sports-Reference.com, Sports Reference, en,
• Selected for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibilityWEB, January 8, 2018, Calvin Johnson Selected for Induction to College Football Hall of Fame,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20180119235059weblink">weblink January 19, 2018, January 19, 2018, RamblinWreck.com,

Academic activities

During the summer of 2006, Johnson, who majored in management with a background in building construction, was given the option of working on either constructing environmentally friendly luxury condos, or a project building solar latrines to improve sanitation in Bolivia.NEWS, Kantheti, Usha, September 22, 2006, Playing locally, serving globally,weblinkweblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20071024104618weblink">weblink October 24, 2007, December 25, 2011, The Technique, NEWS, McRainey, Megan, August 5, 2006, Students work to improve sanitation in developing countries,weblink dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20080308210746weblink">weblink March 8, 2008, May 31, 2008, The Whistle, Georgia Tech Institute Communications and Public Affairs, Johnson chose the latter, as he wanted to help the less fortunate.PRESS RELEASE, Calvin Johnson Tackles Global Sanitation Problems, September 1, 2006, Georgia Institute of Technology,weblink February 18, 2007, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20060904040031weblink">weblink September 4, 2006,weblink {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125112621weblink |date=November 25, 2015 }} The "solar latrines" use the sun's rays to safely transform bacteria-laden waste into fertilizer.WEB, Appropriate Technology Design Team,weblinkweblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20090115104515weblink">weblink January 15, 2009, December 25, 2011, Georgia Tech Cyberbuzz,

Legacy

In 2016, Johnson was named to the Georgia Tech Sports Hall of Fame.WEB, July 27, 2018, Georgia Tech Sports Hall of Fame,weblink live,weblink November 19, 2020, November 14, 2020, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, en-US, He was selected for induction to the College Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. He was part of the Class of 2018.

Professional career

(File:Calvin Johnson Lions.jpg|thumb|right|Calvin Johnson in his Detroit Lions training uniform)Johnson was SI.com's Midseason 2007 NFL draft Projection #1 pick,MAGAZINE, NFL Midseason Draft Projection: #1, Calvin Johnson,weblink dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20070207060002weblink">weblink February 7, 2007, February 18, 2007, Sports Illustrated, though Johnson had stated that he intended to earn his degree from Georgia Tech. On January 8, 2007, Johnson declared himself eligible for the NFL Draft, bypassing his senior season at Georgia Tech.WEB, January 8, 2007, Johnson to Enter NFL Draft,weblink dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20071024140650weblink">weblink October 24, 2007, February 18, 2007, RamblinWreck.com, WEB, Heerji, Asif, January 19, 2007, Johnson chooses NFL,weblinkweblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20070929132017weblink">weblink September 29, 2007, February 18, 2007, The Technique, He was regarded as the best athlete to come out of the draft and was the #1 player on most draft boards.WEB, Kiper, Mel, February 7, 2007, Mel Kiper's Big Board,weblink dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20070217162436weblink">weblink February 17, 2007, February 18, 2007, ESPN.com, WEB, Horwedel, Chris, March 13, 2007, Top 200 Prospects,weblinkweblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20070317173220weblink">weblink March 17, 2007, March 19, 2007, NFL Draft Blitz, Johnson was said by ESPN to be able to be productive as a rookie, much like receiver Randy Moss. In a mid-February workout with speed and conditioning coach Mark Pearsall, Johnson clocked a 4.33-second 40-yard dash, recorded an 11-foot standing broad jump, and had a vertical leap of 43 inches.WEB, Stroud, Rick, February 14, 2007, Georgia Tech's Johnson seen as a can't-miss WR,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20070216012157weblink">weblink February 16, 2007, February 18, 2007, St. Petersburg Times, Johnson surprised many when he weighed in at 239 pounds at the combine although he claims that this season he played "at about 235 and I got up to 238" and that his weight was not a problem. Johnson ran a 4.35 and wowed scouts with his jump drill results, his receiving skills, and his 11 ft 7 in (3.53 m) broad jump, which was the "best broad jump I can ever remember an NFL prospect having," according to Gil Brandt.WEB, Brandt, Gil, Gil Brandt, Individual Workouts,weblinkweblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20070316122500weblink">weblink March 16, 2007, March 21, 2007, NFL.com, Johnson is one of only two players (Matt Jones) 6-foot-5 or taller, regardless of position, to run a 40-yard dash in under 4.40 seconds at the combine since 2005.WEB, Matt Jones {{!, Combine Results {{!}} TE – Arkansas |url=https://nflcombineresults.com/playerpage.php?i=7163 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027041734weblink |archive-date=October 27, 2022 |access-date=October 27, 2022 |language=en-US}}Johnson was selected by the Detroit Lions in the first round as the second pick overall in the 2007 NFL draft.NEWS, April 28, 2007, Johnson Goes to Detroit with No. 2 Pick,weblink dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20070502021546weblink">weblink May 2, 2007, April 29, 2007, RamblinWreck.com, Georgia Tech Alumni Association, NEWS, Householder, Mike, April 29, 2007, Lions Go On Offense With WR Johnson, QB Stanton,weblink dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20070928060148weblink">weblink September 28, 2007, April 29, 2007, Fox 2 News Detroit, NEWS, Cotsonika, Nicholas, April 29, 2007, Lions' catch is definite keeper,weblink dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20070929111832weblink">weblink September 29, 2007, April 29, 2007, freep.com, Detroit Free Press, This is the highest a Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket has ever been drafted. The Lions were expected to trade Johnson, most likely to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the team announced that they were keeping him.MAGAZINE, April 29, 2007, Top 10 Draft Surprises: The Lions don't trade Calvin Johnson,weblink dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20070509145805weblink">weblink May 9, 2007, April 30, 2007, Sports Illustrated, The next day, the Detroit Tigers invited him to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.WEB, April 29, 2007, Lions' draft pick wide receiver Calvin Johnson on team cam,weblinkweblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20070703230937weblink">weblink July 3, 2007, April 30, 2007, NFL.com, NEWS, Kowalski, Tom, April 29, 2007, Calvin Johnson to throw first pitch at Tigers game,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20150526030325weblink">weblink May 26, 2015, May 5, 2007, Lions Insider, {{NFL predraft| height ft = 6| height in = 5| weight = 239| dash = 4.35| ten split = 1.55| twenty split = 2.58| shuttle = | cone drill = | vertical = 42.5| broad ft = 11| broad in = 7| bench = | wonderlic = 41| arm span = 36| hand span = 9 3/4NFL Combine and Pro DayCALVIN JOHNSON DRAFT AND COMBINE PROSPECT PROFILE URL-STATUS=LIVE ARCHIVE-DATE=SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 WEBSITE=NFL.COM, 2007 DRAFT SCOUT CALVIN JOHNSON, GEORGIA TECH NFL DRAFT SCOUT COLLEGE FOOTBALL PROFILE >URL=HTTPS://DRAFTSCOUT.COM/DSPROFILE.PHP?PLAYERID=32991&DRAFTYEAR=2007 ARCHIVE-URL=HTTPS://WEB.ARCHIVE.ORG/WEB/20220907101008/HTTPS://DRAFTSCOUT.COM/DSPROFILE.PHP?PLAYERID=32991&DRAFTYEAR=2007 ACCESS-DATE=NOVEMBER 28, 2018 URL-STATUS=LIVE ARCHIVE-DATE=AUGUST 9, 2021 WEBSITE=NFLCOMBINERESULTS.COM, }}

Detroit Lions

2007 season

{{see also|2007 Detroit Lions season}}Johnson attended Reebok's NFL Rookie Premiere in Los Angeles.WEB, Pasquarelli, Len, May 18, 2007, Dungy concerned about rookies missing minicamp,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20071007222251weblink">weblink October 7, 2007, August 28, 2008, ESPN.com, The Lions, being told by the league that Johnson would have to skip the minicamp to attend, rescheduled the camp to accommodate Johnson.WEB, Smith, Michael David, May 20, 2007, Lions Move Minicamp So Calvin Johnson Can Participate,weblink dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20070523123010weblink">weblink May 23, 2007, May 21, 2007, The Fanhouse, AOL Sports, On August 3, 2007, Johnson signed a six-year deal with the Detroit Lions after holding out for eight days, and passed his physical in time to be on the field for the start of that morning's practice.WEB, August 3, 2007, Lions Sign First-Round Draft Pick WR Calvin Johnson,weblink dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20070819143533weblink">weblink August 19, 2007, August 25, 2007, Detroit Lions, WEB, Cotsonika, Nicholas, August 3, 2007, Lions sign WR Calvin Johnson,weblink dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20070929104431weblink">weblink September 29, 2007, August 3, 2007, Detroit Free Press, WEB, August 3, 2007, Lions sign No. 2 pick WR Johnson,weblinkweblink" title="archive.today/20071221144903weblink">weblink December 21, 2007, August 3, 2007, NFL.com, He was represented by agent James "Bus" Cook. The contract was worth up to {{US$|64 million|link=yes}}, with {{$|27.2 million}}27.2 in guaranteed money, making Johnson the highest-paid player in Lions history (since passed by quarterback Matthew Stafford and defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh) and the highest-paid receiver (in guaranteed money) in the NFL.WEB, August 5, 2010, Lions confirm Ndamukong Suh deal,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20100806001911weblink">weblink August 6, 2010, August 5, 2010, ESPN.com, Associated Press, Although he did not start the game, Johnson had an impressive NFL debut on Sunday, September 9, 2007, catching four passes for 70 yards and his first career touchdown in Detroit's 36–21 win over the Oakland Raiders.NEWS, Hummer, Steve, September 10, 2007, Johnson takes it all in stride in Lions debut,weblink September 11, 2007, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, {{dead link|date=June 2020|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} Alt URL {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426072127weblink |date=April 26, 2012 }}NEWS, VanOchten, Brian, September 9, 2007, Williams saves TD ball for Johnson,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20121012012523weblink">weblink October 12, 2012, September 11, 2007, The Grand Rapids Press, mlive.com, NEWS, Cotsonika, Nicholas J, September 9, 2007, Lion Calvin Johnson focuses on the game, rookie of the year, not the hype,weblink dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20071024025039weblink">weblink October 24, 2007, September 11, 2007, Detroit Free Press, freep.com, He sustained a lower back injury after making a catch over two Philadelphia Eagles defenders on September 23, 2007.WEB, September 24, 2007, Lions check themselves after blowout loss in Philadelphia,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20071024142314weblink">weblink October 24, 2007, September 24, 2007, mlive.com, Associated Press, He scored his first and only professional rushing touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 21, 2007, on a 32-yard reverse play in the 23–16 victory.WEB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions – October 21st, 2007,weblink live,weblink November 15, 2020, November 8, 2020, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, Fellow teammate and wide receiver Roy Williams nicknamed Johnson "Megatron", due to his large hands being similar to that of the towering Decepticon.NEWS, October 22, 2007, Calvin Johnson shows why Lions made him No. 2 pick in the draft,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20141129055520weblink">weblink November 29, 2014, November 21, 2014, Associated Press, WEB, October 22, 2012, Lions atwitter over Seahawk Richard Sherman's new handle,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20160105181348weblink">weblink January 5, 2016, November 30, 2014, Seattle Times, The nickname caught on well with fans. Williams later changed the nickname to "Bolt" after Jamaican sprinting phenom Usain Bolt, comparing the two athletes' similar height and running abilities.NEWS, Kowalski, Tom, August 21, 2007, Lions' Williams not jealous of Calvin Johnson,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20080828191333weblink">weblink August 28, 2008, September 3, 2008, mlive.com, Johnson finished the 2007 season with 48 receptions for 756 yards and five total touchdowns.WEB, Calvin Johnson, WR for the Detroit Lions,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20190423012203weblink">weblink April 23, 2019, December 27, 2011, NFL.com, He was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team.WEB, 2007 NFL All-Rookie Team,weblink live,weblink March 16, 2018, January 21, 2023, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, In 2008, Johnson said he could "still feel" the lower-back injury that bothered him throughout his rookie season. Johnson took five weeks off after the 2007 season and was taking part in the Lions' offseason program. "I know it's there but it doesn't hurt," he said.WEB, Kowalski, Tom, April 20, 2008, Lions' Johnson: Back injury lingered all season,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20080423205511weblink">weblink April 23, 2008, May 31, 2008, mlive.com, Johnson revealed that he needed Vicodin to play through the final three months of the 2007 season. He needed the medication to help him play with a bone bruise in his back. "I was on meds the rest of the season," he said. "I was taking Vicodin twice a game just to get through the game. I stayed hurt the whole season, probably because I was trying to come back too soon."WEB, Kowalski, Tom, April 20, 2008, Calvin Johnson ready for big numbers,weblink dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20080621221613weblink">weblink June 21, 2008, May 31, 2008, mlive.com,

2008 season

{{see also|2008 Detroit Lions season}}Johnson and the Lions faced the Atlanta Falcons on the road on September 7, 2008, in the season opener at the Georgia Dome.WEB, Detroit Lions at Atlanta Falcons – September 7th, 2008,weblink live,weblink March 6, 2019, March 2, 2019, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, As the official starting wide receiver behind Roy Williams, Johnson led the team in receptions and yards, collecting seven catches for 107 yards, which included one 38-yard catch-and-run in the Lions' 34–21 loss.WEB, September 7, 2008, Falcons QB Ryan, RB Turner shine in debuts vs. Lions,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20121024143018weblink">weblink October 24, 2012, December 27, 2011, ESPN.com, Associated Press, During Week 2 versus the Green Bay Packers, he had two key touchdowns late in the game, which sparked a large comeback, though the Lions eventually lost the game, 48–25. Both touchdown catches included a run after the catch (the first catch going for 38 yards and the second going for 47 yards, both over the middle) displaying Johnson's speed and breakaway ability. He ended the game with six receptions for 129 yards and two touchdowns.WEB, December 28, 2008, Lions first NFL team to finish 0–16,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20121023062940weblink">weblink October 23, 2012, December 27, 2011, ESPN.com, In the following two games, losses to San Francisco and Chicago, Johnson failed to score a touchdown or gain over 50 yards receiving.WEB, Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers – September 21st, 2008,weblink live,weblink March 6, 2019, March 2, 2019, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, WEB, Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions – October 5th, 2008,weblink live,weblink March 6, 2019, March 2, 2019, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, However, against the Minnesota Vikings, Johnson had four receptions for 85 yards and his third touchdown of the season.WEB, December 7, 2008, Jackson fills in for injured Frerotte, leads Vikings to win,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20121021220150weblink">weblink October 21, 2012, December 27, 2011, ESPN.com, Associated Press, On October 14, before the Week 6 trade deadline, Roy Williams was traded to the Dallas Cowboys for a first, a third and a seventh-round pick in the 2009 NFL draft, making Johnson the Lions' starting wide receiver and the last big threat on the offense.WEB, Yuille, Sean, October 15, 2008, More on the Roy Williams Trade,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20081018145659weblink">weblink October 18, 2008, October 22, 2008, Pride of Detroit, In his first game without Roy Williams alongside him in the Week 7 game against the Houston Texans, Johnson caught only two passes, totaling 154 yards receiving; the first pass did not come until quarterback Dan Orlovsky threw a pass up for grabs at the end of the first half which Johnson caught for 58 yards and the second pass came on a 96-yard touchdown catch-and-run.WEB, October 19, 2008, Slaton, Daniels combine for 4 TDs as Texans hold off Lions,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20121104175751weblink">weblink November 4, 2012, December 27, 2011, ESPN.com, Associated Press, With Williams gone and starting quarterback Jon Kitna lost to injury for the season, the Texans defense had little to do to stop the Lions' offense but shut down Johnson, winning the game 28–21.NEWS, Duncan, Chris, October 20, 2008, Texans' Johnson leads Houston past winless Detroit,weblinkweblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20090113153638weblink">weblink January 13, 2009, October 22, 2008, Chicago Tribune, Johnson set a career-high for receptions in a game during the Week-9 match-up against the Lions' division rivals, the Chicago Bears, with eight receptions that garnered 94 yards and one touchdown, but still lost the game 27–23.WEB, Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears – November 2nd, 2008,weblink live,weblink March 6, 2019, March 2, 2019, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, During Week 10, formerly retired All-Pro quarterback Daunte Culpepper was signed to a one-year contract with the Lions in hopes to spur the offense and earned the starting job for the next two games.WEB, Clayton, John, November 1, 2008, Culpepper agrees to two-year deal with Lions,weblink live,weblink June 17, 2022, June 17, 2022, ESPN.com, en, Johnson ended his first game with Culpepper at quarterback with two receptions for 92 yards in a 38–14 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.WEB, Jacksonville Jaguars at Detroit Lions – November 9th, 2008,weblink live,weblink April 12, 2019, June 17, 2022, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, During the Week 14 match-up against the division rival Minnesota Vikings, Johnson passed the 1,000-yard receiving mark for the first time in his career after collecting three catches for 84 yards and one touchdown, ending the week with 1,055 yards receiving and nine touchdowns on the season.WEB, Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – December 7th, 2008,weblink live,weblink March 6, 2019, March 2, 2019, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, Johnson and the 2008 Detroit Lions finished the first ever 0–16 season in NFL history after a 31–21 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 17. Despite the Lions' failures and the fact that five different quarterbacks played during the year, Johnson finished as one of the strongest wide receivers statistically for the 2008 season, finishing fifth in receiving yards (1,331) and 7th in receiving yards per game (83.2), and leading the league in receiving touchdowns (12), despite the fact that the entire Lions team only passed for 18 touchdowns.WEB, 2008 NFL Receiving,weblink live,weblink November 10, 2017, June 17, 2022, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, Johnson became the first Lion to lead the NFL in receiving touchdowns since Terry Barr in 1963.WEB, NFL Receiving Touchdowns Year-by-Year Leaders,weblink live,weblink October 12, 2018, January 21, 2023, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, However, Johnson missed the Pro Bowl, with most experts attributing the snub to the Lions' dismal winless season.WEB, Samuelsen, Jamie, December 17, 2008, Lions' Pro Bowl snub isn't all that surprising,weblinkweblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20121005092253weblink">weblink October 5, 2012, March 14, 2018, Detroit Free Press,

2009 season

{{see also|2009 Detroit Lions season}}After 2008, Detroit's front office and coaching personnel were essentially overhauled by the team ownership. Matt Millen, the team's incumbent general manager and CEO since 2001, was terminated on September 24, 2008.WEB, Kowalski, Tom, September 24, 2008, Millen fired, Lions to go through 'a comprehensive evaluation' in offseason,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20180315133340weblink">weblink March 15, 2018, March 14, 2018, MLive, Head coach Rod Marinelli was fired in the offseason.WEB, Mortensen, Chris, January 16, 2009, Lions turn to Schwartz as coach,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20180315133218weblink">weblink March 15, 2018, March 14, 2018, ESPN.com, Associated Press, Marinelli was replaced by Jim Schwartz, then defensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans.WEB, December 29, 2008, Marinelli fired after historic 0–16 season,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20180315133240weblink">weblink March 15, 2018, March 14, 2018, ESPN.com, Associated Press, Schwartz ultimately revamped the entire Detroit offensive (and defensive) philosophies{{nsmdns}}hiring Scott Linehan and Gunther Cunningham, respectively.WEB, February 11, 2009, 2009 Detroit Lions Coaching Staff,weblinkweblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20090307213038weblink">weblink March 7, 2009, March 14, 2018, Detroit Lions, Detroit held the first pick in the 2009 NFL draft, and selected quarterback Matthew Stafford out of the University of Georgia.WEB, April 26, 2009, Georgia's Stafford goes first overall,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20180315070718weblink">weblink March 15, 2018, March 14, 2018, ESPN.com, Associated Press, Stafford was named the team's starting quarterback out of training camp, but he battled various injuries throughout the season. Much of the 2008 Detroit roster was released by the new regime, and the 2009 team was viewed as somewhat of a work-in-progress and eventually finished with a 2–14 record.WEB, 2009 Detroit Lions Statistics & Players,weblink live,weblink January 29, 2018, June 17, 2022, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, Johnson finished the 2009 season with 67 receptions, 984 yards, and five touchdowns, while missing two games.WEB, Calvin Johnson 2009 Game Log,weblink live,weblink June 17, 2022, June 17, 2022, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en,

2010 season

{{see also|2010 Detroit Lions season}}In the season opener against the Chicago Bears, Johnson caught a pass with 31 seconds left in regulation in the end zone for what looked like a game-winning touchdown. However, referee Gene Steratore ruled the catch incomplete, saying that Johnson had not maintained possession of the ball through the entire process of the catch. The Lions lost the game by a score of 19–14.WEB, Seligman, Andrew, September 12, 2010, Bears escape Lions, but not without controversy,weblink dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20101115072945weblink">weblink November 15, 2010, September 29, 2011, NBC Sports, Associated Press, In Week 6, against the New York Giants, he had five receptions for 146 yards and one receiving touchdown in the 28–20 loss.WEB, Detroit Lions at New York Giants – October 17th, 2010,weblink live,weblink November 15, 2020, November 23, 2020, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, In Week 8, against the Washington Redskins, he had nine receptions for 101 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns in the 37–25 victory.WEB, Washington Redskins at Detroit Lions – October 31st, 2010,weblink live,weblink November 15, 2020, November 23, 2020, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, In Week 10, against the Buffalo Bills, he had ten receptions for 128 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown in the 14–12 loss.WEB, Detroit Lions at Buffalo Bills – November 14th, 2010,weblink live,weblink November 15, 2020, November 23, 2020, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, The Bills game was the beginning of a four-game streak for Johnson where he recorded a receiving touchdown. In Week 15, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he had ten receptions for 152 receiving yards in the 23–20 victory.WEB, Detroit Lions at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – December 19th, 2010,weblink live,weblink November 15, 2020, November 23, 2020, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, Johnson amassed 77 receptions for 1,120 yards and 12 touchdowns during the 2010 season.WEB, Calvin Johnson 2010 Game Log,weblink live,weblink July 30, 2019, March 2, 2019, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, He was selected to the first Pro Bowl of his career.WEB, December 28, 2010, 2011 Pro Bowl rosters,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20110224231639weblink">weblink February 24, 2011, September 29, 2011, NFL.com, Following the 2010 season, Johnson was the recipient of the Lions/Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association/Pro Football Writers Association (Detroit Chapter) Media-Friendly Good Guy Award. Johnson was ranked 27th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2011.WEB, 2011 NFL Top 100,weblink live,weblink January 2, 2019, July 27, 2020, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, (File:Calvin Johnson vs Green Bay.jpg|right|thumb|Calvin Johnson on January 1, 2012, playing against the Green Bay Packers)

2011 season

{{see also|2011 Detroit Lions season}}In 2011, Johnson had his second best statistical season of his NFL career, reaching a then career-high 1,681 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns.WEB, Calvin Johnson 2011 Game Log,weblink live,weblink January 12, 2021, March 2, 2019, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, In Week 4 against the Dallas Cowboys, Johnson helped rally the Lions from a 24-point deficit to a 34–30 victory by catching two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter, including a famous catch in which Johnson beat the Cowboys' triple coverage in the end zone.WEB, October 2, 2011, Lions stay unbeaten as turnovers, Calvin Johnson-fueled rally bury Cowboys,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20111110192330weblink">weblink November 10, 2011, November 13, 2011, ESPN.com, Associated Press, This performance gave Johnson eight touchdown receptions through the first four games of the season and tied Cris Carter for most consecutive games with multiple touchdown receptions with four. In a Week 15 game against the Oakland Raiders, Johnson had nine receptions for 214 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns in the 28–27 victory.WEB, December 18, 2011, Matt Stafford leads 4th quarter rally as Lions take down Raiders,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20120108085354weblink">weblink January 8, 2012, December 19, 2011, ESPN.com, Associated Press, He joined Cloyce Box as the only players in franchise history to record at least 200 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns in the same game.WEB, November 8, 2020, Players with at least 200 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns in the same game, Detroit Lions,weblink dead,weblink November 8, 2020, November 8, 2020, Context, Johnson and the Lions clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 1999, and the first time in Johnson's career, after a 38–10 beating of the San Diego Chargers on Christmas Eve.WEB, December 24, 2011, Lions bounce Chargers in romp to clinch 1st playoff berth since 1999,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20120128100548weblink">weblink January 28, 2012, December 25, 2011, ESPN.com, Associated Press, In a Week 17 game against the Green Bay Packers, Johnson had 11 receptions for a then career-best 244 receiving yards in a 45–41 loss.WEB, Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers – January 1st, 2012,weblink live,weblink August 29, 2017, November 8, 2020, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, Johnson finished the season with 96 receptions for a league-leading 1,681 receiving yards and 16 receiving touchdowns.WEB, Calvin Johnson 2011 Game Log,weblink live,weblink January 12, 2021, January 21, 2023, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, WEB, 2011 NFL Leaders and Leaderboards,weblink live,weblink March 31, 2020, January 21, 2023, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, Johnson became the first Lion to lead the league in receiving yards since Pat Studstill in 1966.WEB, NFL Receiving Yards Year-by-Year Leaders,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20130612231045weblink">weblink June 12, 2013, January 21, 2023, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, The Lions finished with a 10–6 record, finished second in the NFC North, and earned a playoff berth.WEB, 2011 Detroit Lions Statistics & Players,weblink live,weblink January 29, 2018, November 8, 2020, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, Detroit found themselves on the road again in a (2011–12 NFL playoffs#NFC: New Orleans Saints 45, Detroit Lions 28|2012 NFC Wild Card) game against the heavily favored New Orleans Saints in the playoffs. Always tough to play against at the Superdome, the Saints wore down the Detroit defense and New Orleans would go on to a win by a score of 45–28. In the game, Johnson caught 12 passes for 211 receiving yards and two touchdowns{{nsmdns}}breaking Detroit's playoff record of 150 receiving yards in a playoff game previously held by Brett Perriman and Leonard Thompson.WEB, Wild Card – Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints – January 7th, 2012,weblink live,weblink February 5, 2019, March 2, 2019, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, WEB, Pasche, Paula, March 8, 2016, Detroit Lions — Eighteen things to know about Calvin Johnson's career,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20160311173231weblink">weblink March 11, 2016, March 14, 2018, The Oakland Press, Johnson was ranked third by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2012.WEB, 2012 NFL Top 100,weblink live,weblink March 22, 2019, July 27, 2020, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en,

2012 season

{{see also|2012 Detroit Lions season}}On March 14, 2012, Johnson signed an eight-year extension worth {{US$|132 million}} with the Detroit Lions, with {{US$|60 million}} guaranteed, making Johnson the highest-paid receiver in the league.WEB, Schilken, Chuck, March 14, 2012, Calvin Johnson signs $132-million deal, biggest NFL contract ever,weblink live,weblink June 17, 2022, June 17, 2022, Los Angeles Times, en-US, Johnson beat out 42 other players and eliminated quarterback Cam Newton to win the Madden NFL 13 cover athlete on April 25, 2012, on SportsNation.WEB, April 25, 2012, Calvin Johnson wins Madden vote,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20120428115022weblink">weblink April 28, 2012, May 6, 2012, ESPN.com, Associated Press, Johnson started off the season with six receptions for 111 yards in a 27–23 victory over the St. Louis Rams.WEB, St. Louis Rams at Detroit Lions – September 9th, 2012,weblink live,weblink April 12, 2019, March 19, 2019, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, In Week 3, against the Tennessee Titans, he had 10 receptions for 164 yards and a touchdown in the 44–41 loss.WEB, Detroit Lions at Tennessee Titans – September 23rd, 2012,weblink live,weblink April 12, 2019, March 19, 2019, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, In Week 6, against the Philadelphia Eagles, he had six receptions for 135 yards in the 26–23 victory.WEB, Detroit Lions at Philadelphia Eagles – October 14th, 2012,weblink live,weblink April 12, 2019, March 19, 2019, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, In the stretch from Week 9 to Week 14, he recorded five consecutive games with 125 receiving yards or more, which tied the NFL record held by Pat Studstill in the 1966 season.WEB, Pat Studstill 1966 Game Log,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20140130063646weblink">weblink January 30, 2014, November 8, 2020, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, WEB, Hoffman, Benjamin, December 3, 2012, Lions' Calvin Johnson Defies Description,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20150526031359weblink">weblink May 26, 2015, March 19, 2019, The New York Times, en-US, In that stretch were performances of 207 yards and a touchdown in a 34–24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings and 171 yards and a touchdown in a 35–33 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.WEB, Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – November 11th, 2012,weblink live,weblink February 24, 2018, March 19, 2019, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, WEB, Indianapolis Colts at Detroit Lions – December 2nd, 2012,weblink live,weblink April 23, 2020, March 19, 2019, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, In the Colts game, Johnson was targeted a career-high 20 times. On December 22, against the Atlanta Falcons, Johnson broke Jerry Rice's single-season receiving yards record of 1,848 yards.WEB, December 22, 2012, Calvin Johnson sets single-season receiving yards record,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20121231014551weblink">weblink December 31, 2012, December 22, 2012, NFL.com, Johnson was also named a starter for the NFC in the Pro Bowl played in Honolulu, Hawaii.WEB, December 30, 2012, 2013 Pro Bowl rosters: AFC, NFC,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20121230023448weblink">weblink December 30, 2012, December 28, 2012, NFL.com, Johnson finished with five receptions for 72 yards against the Chicago Bears in Week 17, missing out on 2,000 receiving yards by 36.WEB, Trister, Noah, December 30, 2012, Bears Beat Lions 26–24 But Miss Playoffs,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20130103034838weblink">weblink January 3, 2013, December 30, 2012, The Huffington Post, Johnson finished the season leading the league in receptions (122) and receiving yards (1,964).WEB, 2012 NFL Leaders and Leaderboards,weblink live,weblink December 30, 2020, January 21, 2023, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, WEB, Mayer, Larry, January 7, 2013, Reviewing Bears season by the numbers,weblink dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20141006093201weblink">weblink October 6, 2014, January 7, 2013, Chicago Bears, Johnson became the only player in the Super Bowl era (since 1967) to average 120 yards per game in a season, when he averaged 122.8 yards per game in 2012. Johnson was ranked third by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2013.WEB, 2013 NFL Top 100,weblink live,weblink April 6, 2020, July 27, 2020, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en,

2013 season

{{see also|2013 Detroit Lions season}}After a slow start to the 2013 season in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings, Johnson had six receptions for 116 yards and two touchdowns in a 25–21 loss to the Arizona Cardinals.WEB, Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions – September 8th, 2013,weblink live,weblink August 11, 2017, March 19, 2019, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, WEB, Detroit Lions at Arizona Cardinals – September 15th, 2013,weblink live,weblink October 30, 2018, March 19, 2019, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, In the following game, against the Washington Redskins, he had seven receptions for 115 receiving yards and a touchdown in the 27–20 victory.WEB, Detroit Lions at Washington Redskins – September 22nd, 2013,weblink live,weblink December 3, 2018, March 19, 2019, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, In Week 7, against the Cincinnati Bengals, he had nine receptions for 155 yards and two receiving touchdowns.WEB, Cincinnati Bengals at Detroit Lions – October 20th, 2013,weblink live,weblink February 26, 2019, March 19, 2019, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, On October 27, in a 31–30 win over the Dallas Cowboys, Johnson caught a career-high 14 of 16 passes thrown in his direction; he finished the game with a career-high 329 receiving yards and one touchdown.WEB, Dallas Cowboys at Detroit Lions – October 27th, 2013,weblink live,weblink February 26, 2019, March 2, 2019, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, In addition to breaking the Lions' franchise record of 302 receiving yards set by Cloyce Box on December 3, 1950, it was the highest receiving yardage ever in a regulation-length game and the second-highest overall single-game yardage in NFL history, behind Flipper Anderson's 336-yard performance in a 1989 overtime win. Anderson accumulated 40 of those yards in overtime.WEB, Rothstein, Michael, October 27, 2013, Johnson's massive day lifts the Lions,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20131028110030weblink">weblink October 28, 2013, October 29, 2013, ESPN.com, In this same game, Johnson tied Lance Alworth for the most career games with at least 200 yards receiving with five.WEB, Smith, Michael David, October 27, 2013, Calvin Johnson leads Lions to victory in an NFL classic,weblink live,weblink February 9, 2019, April 11, 2020, ProFootballTalk, en-US, In Week 10 against the Chicago Bears, Johnson had six receptions for 83 yards and two touchdown receptions.WEB, Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears – November 10th, 2013,weblink live,weblink February 26, 2019, March 2, 2019, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, The second one gave him the Lions all-time record for touchdown catches with 63, breaking the old mark previously held by Herman Moore.WEB, Rogers, Justin, November 11, 2013, Calvin Johnson passes Herman Moore for most touchdown receptions in Detroit Lions history,weblink live,weblink October 5, 2020, March 19, 2019, mlive.com, en-US, In the following game, he had six receptions for 179 yards and two receiving touchdowns in the 37–27 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 11.WEB, Detroit Lions at Pittsburgh Steelers – November 17th, 2013,weblink live,weblink April 12, 2019, March 19, 2019, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, Following the Steelers game, he added two more 100-yard performances in Weeks 12–13 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers.WEB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions – November 24th, 2013,weblink live,weblink February 14, 2022, November 8, 2020, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, WEB, Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions – November 28th, 2013,weblink live,weblink September 21, 2019, November 8, 2020, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, Overall, he finished the 2013 season with 84 receptions, 1,492 receiving yards, and 12 receiving touchdowns in 14 games.WEB, Meinke, Kyle, January 7, 2014, Detroit Lions awards: Calvin Johnson named offensive MVP,weblink live,weblink October 5, 2020, March 19, 2019, mlive.com, en-US, Johnson was named to the 2014 Pro Bowl, but an injury forced him to withdraw.WEB, Wiederer, Dan, January 9, 2014, Bears receiver Jeffery gets Pro Bowl invite,weblink dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20140109204945weblink">weblink January 9, 2014, January 9, 2014, Chicago Tribune, Johnson was ranked second by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2014.WEB, 2014 NFL Top 100,weblink live,weblink April 7, 2020, July 27, 2020, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en,

2014 season

{{see also|2014 Detroit Lions season}}Johnson started the 2014 season off strong with seven receptions for 164 yards and two receiving touchdowns in a 35–14 victory over the New York Giants on Monday Night Football.WEB, New York Giants at Detroit Lions – September 8th, 2014,weblink live,weblink June 13, 2018, March 19, 2019, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, Johnson suffered an ankle injury that kept him out of action after Week 5.MAGAZINE, Burke, Chris, October 12, 2014, NFL Week 6 injury updates: Calvin Johnson, Reggie Bush both out,weblink live,weblink December 3, 2021, November 8, 2020, Sports Illustrated, en-us, He returned in Week 10 against the Miami Dolphins and had seven receptions for 113 yards and a touchdown in the 20–16 victory.WEB, Miami Dolphins at Detroit Lions – November 9th, 2014,weblink live,weblink April 1, 2019, March 19, 2019, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, On November 27, in the annual Thanksgiving Day game against the Chicago Bears, Johnson became the fastest player to reach 10,000 receiving yards in NFL history at the time, eclipsing the mark in the second quarter of his 115th game.WEB, Rothstein, Michael, November 27, 2014, Megatron fastest to 10,000 receiving yards,weblink live,weblink October 26, 2019, March 19, 2019, ESPN.com, en, Against the Bears, he had 11 receptions for 146 yards and two receiving touchdowns in the 34–17 victory.WEB, Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions – November 27th, 2014,weblink live,weblink April 2, 2019, March 19, 2019, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, In the next game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he had eight receptions for 158 yards and a receiving touchdown in the 34–17 victory.WEB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions – December 7th, 2014,weblink live,weblink February 26, 2019, March 19, 2019, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, He closed the season out with four receptions for 39 yards and two receiving touchdowns in a 30–20 loss to the Green Bay Packers.WEB, Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers – December 28th, 2014,weblink live,weblink March 30, 2019, March 19, 2019, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, The Lions finished with a 11–5 record and earned a playoff spot in the (2014–15 NFL playoffs#NFC: Dallas Cowboys 24, Detroit Lions 20|Wild Card Round).WEB, 2014 Detroit Lions Statistics & Players,weblink live,weblink May 16, 2022, November 8, 2020, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, In the 24–20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, he had five receptions for 85 receiving yards.WEB, Wild Card – Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys – January 4th, 2015,weblink live,weblink October 5, 2020, November 8, 2020, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, Johnson was named to his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl, the most by any Lion since Barry Sanders was named to ten consecutive Pro Bowls.WEB, Trister, Noah, November 27, 2014, Johnson shines in Detroit's 34–17 win over Chicago,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20141203080810weblink">weblink December 3, 2014, December 1, 2014, CBS Sports, He finished the 2014 season with 71 receptions for 1,044 receiving yards and receiving eight touchdowns.WEB, Calvin Johnson 2014 Game Log,weblink live,weblink March 6, 2019, March 2, 2019, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, Johnson and Golden Tate became the Lions' first duo to reach 1,000 yards apiece in the same season since Roy Williams and Mike Furrey in 2006.WEB, 2014 Detroit Lions Statistics & Players,weblink live,weblink July 27, 2020, July 27, 2020, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, WEB, Detroit Lions 1,000-Yard Receiving Seasons, NFL history,weblink dead,weblink October 5, 2020, July 27, 2020, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, Johnson was ranked sixth by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2015.WEB, 2015 NFL Top 100,weblink live,weblink May 8, 2020, July 27, 2020, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en,

2015 season

{{see also|2015 Detroit Lions season}}Much like Week 1 in Chicago five years back, in Week 4 at Seattle, Johnson was involved in another controversial play. This time, late in the fourth quarter, Seahawks safety Kam Chancellor punched the ball out of Johnson's hands while he was trying to score a late go-ahead touchdown. Linebacker K. J. Wright then batted the ball out of the end zone for a touchback. The NFL later admitted the referees should have penalized Wright for illegal batting. The Seahawks won the game by a score of 13–10.WEB, Sherman, Rodger, October 5, 2015, Calvin Johnson fumbles on the 1-yard line,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20160912230435weblink">weblink September 12, 2016, March 19, 2019, SBNation.com, WEB, Zeigler, Cyd, October 5, 2015, Refs screw up key call at end of Lions-Seahawks,weblink live,weblink March 8, 2019, March 19, 2019, SBNation.com, WEB, Crabtree, Curtis, October 6, 2015, Kam Chancellor forces fumble of Calvin Johnson, saves Seahawks in win over Lions,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20160515172325weblink">weblink May 15, 2016, March 19, 2019, ProFootballTalk, en, WEB, Detroit Lions at Seattle Seahawks – October 5th, 2015,weblink live,weblink February 26, 2019, March 2, 2019, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, In Week 5, a 42–17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, Johnson caught his 671st career pass, breaking Herman Moore's franchise record.WEB, Rothstein, Michael, October 11, 2015, Calvin Johnson now Lions' all-time receptions leader,weblink live,weblink October 5, 2020, April 11, 2020, ESPN.com, en, WEB, Arizona Cardinals at Detroit Lions – October 11th, 2015,weblink live,weblink May 2, 2019, March 2, 2019, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, In Week 6, Johnson caught six passes for 166 yards in an overtime 37–34 victory over the Chicago Bears. This gave the Lions their first victory of the season after an 0–5 start.WEB, Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions – October 18th, 2015,weblink live,weblink April 2, 2019, March 2, 2019, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, This was his fourth NFC Offensive Player of the Week nomination for his effort against the Bears.WEB, 2015 NFL Week 6 Leaders & Scores,weblink live,weblink November 17, 2021, November 8, 2020, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, In Week 12, against the Philadelphia Eagles, Johnson caught eight passes for 93 yards and three touchdowns to help lead the Lions to their third straight victory and lift their record to 4–7.WEB, Philadelphia Eagles at Detroit Lions – November 26th, 2015,weblink live,weblink May 2, 2019, March 2, 2019, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, In Week 8 against the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL International Series on November 1, Johnson became the fastest player to reach 11,000 receiving yards in NFL history, in his 127th game.WEB, Rothstein, Michael, November 1, 2015, Calvin Johnson hits 11,000 receiving yards in record time in bad offense,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20151103002351weblink">weblink November 3, 2015, November 1, 2015, ESPN.com, Johnson finished the season with 88 receptions for 1,214 yards (13.8 average), and nine touchdowns, reaching 1,000-yards receiving for the sixth consecutive year, and seventh time in nine years.WEB, Meinke, Kyle, December 21, 2015, Lions WR Calvin Johnson reaches 1,000 yards receiving for sixth straight season,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20151224104641weblink">weblink December 24, 2015, December 21, 2015, MLive, Johnson was named to the Pro Bowl for the sixth consecutive year, but he declined to attend.WEB, Twentyman, Tim, December 22, 2015, Two Lions named to 2016 Pro Bowl,weblink dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20151224104622weblink">weblink December 24, 2015, December 22, 2015, Detroit Lions, His 1,214 yards in the 2015 season are the most ever in a player's final season in the NFL, while his 88 receptions are the second most in a player's final season, trailing Sterling Sharpe's 94 receptions in the 1994 season.WEB, Most receiving yards in a player's final season, NFL history,weblink dead,weblink October 5, 2020, July 27, 2020, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en,

Retirement

On March 8, 2016, Johnson announced his retirement from the NFL after nine seasons.WEB, March 8, 2016, Calvin Johnson retires from the National Football League,weblink dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20160308225901weblink">weblink March 8, 2016, March 8, 2016, Detroit Lions, WEB, Birkett, Dave, March 8, 2016, Detroit Lions' Calvin Johnson is retiring and is 'at peace with it',weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20160309030018weblink">weblink March 9, 2016, March 8, 2016, Detroit Free Press, His 11,619 receiving yards rank fourth in a player's first nine seasons, trailing only Julio Jones (12,125), Torry Holt (11,864) and Jerry Rice (11,776).WEB, Most receiving yards through a player's first nine seasons, NFL history,weblink dead,weblink October 5, 2020, July 27, 2020, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, Since Johnson was drafted by the Lions with the second overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, no player had more receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, and 100-yard games (46) than Johnson through the 2015 season.WEB, Receiving statistics from 2007–2015, NFL history,weblink dead,weblink October 5, 2020, July 27, 2020, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, WEB, Most 100-yard receiving games from 2007–2015, NFL history,weblink live,weblink October 5, 2020, July 27, 2020, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en, His 5,137 receiving yards from 2011 to 2013 are the most by any player over a three-year stretch in NFL history.WEB, March 8, 2016, Calvin Johnson's place in NFL history,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20160309031610weblink">weblink March 9, 2016, March 8, 2016, ESPN.com, ESPN Stats & Information, WEB, DaSilva, Cameron, March 8, 2016, The 10 craziest stats from Calvin Johnson's illustrious career,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20160408124348weblink">weblink April 8, 2016, March 8, 2016, Fox Sports, On February 6, 2021, Johnson was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.WEB, OHara, Moke, February 6, 2021, Lions Legend Calvin Johnson elected to Hall of Fame,weblink live,weblink December 3, 2021, February 6, 2021, Detroit Lions, Despite spending his entire nine-year career with the Lions, Johnson did not partake in any events or attend games being played by his former team,WEB, Crawford, Kirkland, July 11, 2017, Calvin Johnson: I was 'stuck' in Detroit; 'it just wasn't for me anymore',weblink January 23, 2024, Detroit Free Press, en-US, until 2023. He has stated this was because the Lions forced him to repay $1.6 million of his signing bonus for retiring early and not playing out his contract.WEB, Birkett, Dave, August 6, 2021, Calvin Johnson: Detroit Lions' offer shows team 'not serious' about mending fences,weblink January 23, 2024, Detroit Free Press, en-US, The Lions offered to pay Johnson $500,000 a year for three years to show up and speak at team events and donate an additional $100,000 to a charity of his choice, but he did not accept the offer, stating, "they need to figure out a way to do it and not have me work for it. Because I already did the work for it".WEB, August 7, 2021, Report: Calvin Johnson turned down Lions' offer of $500,000 a year for 28 hours of work,weblink January 23, 2024, NBC Sports, en-US, He has said on multiple occasions that things between him and his former team will never be made right until then and has gone on to say that ownership views the team's players as "pawns".WEB, Taranto, Steven, September 15, 2021, Calvin Johnson: Feud with Lions won't be resolved until team 'figures out' how to pay $1.6M he's owed,weblink live,weblink October 27, 2022, October 27, 2022, CBSSports.com, en, More recently, Johnson’s stance has softened as he attended several Detroit Lions team practices during the 2023 season and the September 17, 2023, home game against the Seattle Seahawks.WEB, Reisman, Jeremy, May 24, 2023, VIDEO: Calvin Johnson makes an appearance at Detroit Lions OTAs,weblink January 23, 2024, Pride Of Detroit, en, WEB, Lions vs. Seahawks Week 2 photos,weblink January 23, 2024, DetroitLions.com, en-US, Johnson was seen supporting the Lions at Ford Field as they secured their first playoff win since 1992 where they beat the Los Angeles Rams 24–23.WEB, January 14, 2024, Goff leads Lions to first playoff win in 32 years, 24-23 over Stafford and the Rams - CBS Los Angeles,weblink January 23, 2024, CBS News - Los Angeles, en-US, Associated Press, WEB, Ramsey, Jared, January 14, 2024, Former Detroit Lions players and celebrity fans show out for first playoff game at Ford Field,weblink January 23, 2024, Detroit Free Press, en-US, WEB, Risdon, Jeff, January 20, 2024, Calvin Johnson is 'extremely happy' for the Lions and to be around the team,weblink January 23, 2024, Lions Wire, USA Today, en-US,

NFL career statistics{| class"wikitable"

! colspan="2"| Legend| NFL record| Led the league| Bold| Career high">

Regular season{| class"wikitable" style"text-align:center;"

! rowspan="2"| Year! rowspan="2"| Team! colspan="2"| Games! colspan="5"| Receiving! colspan="5"| Rushing! colspan="2"| Fumbles! GP !! GS !! Rec !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! Att !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! Fum !! Lost! 2007 !! DET13.0 >32T >1 >| 0! 2008 !! DET16 >16 >96T > 12 3 −1 −0.3 7 0 3 2! 2009 !! DET7 >73 >3 >| 2! 2010 !! DET| 0! 2011 !! DET16 >16 > 1,681 17.5 73T 16 1 11 11.0 11 0 1 1! 2012 !! DET16 >16 > 122 style="background:#e0cef2; width:3em"1,964 >3 >| 3! 2013 !! DET17.8 >| 1! 2014 !! DET| 0! 2015 !! DET16 >16 >| 1! colspan="2"|Career !! 135 !! 130 !! 731 !! 11,619 !! 15.9 !! 96T !! 83 !! 19 !! 167 !! 8.8 !! 32T !! 1 !! 14 !! 10">

Postseason{| class"wikitable" style"text-align:center;"

! rowspan="2"| Year! rowspan="2"| Team! colspan="2"| Games! colspan="5"| Receiving! colspan="5"| Rushing! colspan="2"| Fumbles! GP !! GS !! Rec !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! Att !! Yds !! Avg !! Lng !! TD !! Fum !! Lost! 2011 !! DET1 >1 >12 >211 >17.6 >42 >2 >| 0! 2014 !! DET1 >1 >| 0! colspan="2"| Career !! 2 !! 2 !! 17 !! 296 !! 17.4 !! 42 !! 2 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0.0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0 !! 0

NFL honors

• 6x Pro Bowler (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015)
• 3x First team All-Pro (2011, 2012, 2013)
• 4x NFC Offensive Player of the Week (2010 – Week 8, 2011 – Week 15, 2013 – Week 8, 2015 – Week 6)WEB, Players of the Week,weblink live,weblink October 3, 2020, January 21, 2023, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en,
• 2x NFC Offensive Player of the Month (November 2012, October 2013)WEB, NFL Players of the Month,weblink live,weblink September 29, 2022, January 21, 2023, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en,
• Pro Football Hall of Fame All-2010s TeamWEB, Pro Football Hall of Fame All-Decade Teams – 2010s,weblink live,weblink May 5, 2022, January 21, 2023, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en,
• 2007 NFL All-Rookie Team

NFL records

• Most receiving yards in a single season (16 games): 1,964 yards (2012)WEB, December 12, 2012, Calvin Johnson breaks record,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20121223051838weblink">weblink December 23, 2012, December 12, 2012, ESPN.com, Associated Press,
• Seasons with 1,600 yards receiving (2, tied with Marvin Harrison, Torry Holt, Antonio Brown, Julio Jones and Justin Jefferson)WEB, Most seasons with at least 1,600 receiving yards, NFL history,weblink live,weblink December 4, 2022, December 3, 2022, StatMuse,
• Most consecutive games with at least 100 receiving yards (8, tied with Adam Thielen)WEB, Seifert, Kevin, December 12, 2012, Calvin Johnson: 117 yards down, 65 to go,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20121225022843weblink">weblink December 25, 2012, December 12, 2012, ESPN.com,
• Most consecutive games with at least 10 receptions (4)WEB, December 12, 2012, Falcons clinch NFC's No. 1 seed; Calvin Johnson breaks receiving record,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20121223053626weblink">weblink December 23, 2012, December 12, 2012, ESPN.com, Associated Press,
• Most 100 receiving yard games in a single season (11, tied with Michael Irvin)WEB, Smith, Michael David, December 22, 2012, Calvin Johnson breaks NFL record for consecutive 100-yard games,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20121223082422weblink">weblink December 23, 2012, December 22, 2012, ProFootballTalk,
• Most receiving yards in a five-game span (861 yards) WEB, Calvin Johnson has the most receiving yards in a 5 game span ever,weblink dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20150827070509weblink">weblink August 27, 2015, November 25, 2015, NFL Draft Diamonds,
• Most receiving yards in a six-game span (962 yards) WEB, Rank, Adam, December 6, 2013, Eli Manning returns to San Diego, jeering ensues,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20151125181317weblink">weblink November 25, 2015, November 25, 2015, NFL.com,
• Most receiving yards in a single game in regulation: 329 (October 27, 2013, against the Dallas Cowboys)
• Most games with at least 200 receiving yards: 5 (tied with Lance Alworth)

Lions franchise records

• Most receiving touchdowns in a single season: 16 (2011)WEB, Detroit Lions Single-Season Receiving Leaders,weblink live,weblink May 2, 2019, April 11, 2020, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en,
• Most receiving touchdowns, career: 83WEB, Detroit Lions Receiving Records,weblink dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20130108103147weblink">weblink January 8, 2013, March 8, 2016, Detroit Lions, WEB, Detroit Lions Career Receiving Leaders,weblink live,weblink November 1, 2020, November 3, 2020, Pro-Football-Reference.com, en,
• Most receiving yards, career: 11,619
• Most receptions in a single game: 14 (October 27, 2013, against the Dallas Cowboys, tied with Herman Moore)
• Most receiving yards in a single game: 329 (October 27, 2013, against the Dallas Cowboys)WEB, Meinke, Kyle, October 28, 2013, By the numbers: Calvin Johnson's place in history after 329-yard game for Detroit Lions,weblink live,weblink September 22, 2021, November 3, 2020, mlive, en,
• Most receptions, career: 731
• Most seasons with 10+ receiving touchdowns: 4
• Most career 70+ yard receptions: 8WEB, Rothstein, Michael, September 15, 2013, Calvin Johnson sets two franchise records,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20131029200539weblink">weblink October 29, 2013, October 29, 2013, ESPN.com,
• Most games with multiple touchdowns in one half: 12
• Most receiving yards in a single game in regulation (329, October 27, 2013, against the Dallas Cowboys)WEB, Patra, Kevin, October 28, 2013, Calvin Johnson has historical game for Detroit Lions,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20140820183155weblink">weblink August 20, 2014, August 2, 2014, NFL.com, WEB, Niyo, John, October 28, 2013, Calvin Johnson proves once again there's no other receiver like him,weblink dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20140808064905weblink">weblink August 8, 2014, August 2, 2014, The Detroit News,
• Most games with at least 100 receiving yards: 46WEB, Rothstein, Michael, January 3, 2016, Calvin Johnson has 46th 100-yard game, moves into Top 10 all-time,weblink live,weblink January 22, 2023, November 8, 2020, ESPN.com, en,
• Most games with at least 150 receiving yards: 15WEB, November 8, 2020, Most games with at least 150 receiving yards, Detroit Lions,weblink dead,weblink November 8, 2020, November 8, 2020, Stathead,
• Most games with at least 200 receiving yards: 5
• Most games with at least 300 receiving yards: 1
• Most games with at least one receiving touchdown: 64WEB, Most games with at least one receiving touchdown, Detroit Lions,weblink live,weblink December 4, 2022, December 4, 2022, StatMuse, en,
• Most games with at least two receiving touchdowns: 17WEB, Most games with at least two receiving touchdowns, Detroit Lions,weblink live,weblink December 4, 2022, December 4, 2022, StatMuse, en,

Dancing with the Stars

On August 30, 2016, Johnson was announced as one of the celebrities who would compete on season 23 of Dancing with the Stars.WEB, Chiari, Mike, August 30, 2016, Calvin Johnson, Ryan Lochte Among Athletes of 2016 'Dancing with the Stars' Cast,weblink live,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20170314060435weblink">weblink March 14, 2017, March 19, 2019, Bleacher Report, en, He was partnered with professional dancer Lindsay Arnold.WEB, Steinberg, Stephanie, October 31, 2016, Lindsay Arnold: 'Possible' to win 'DWTS' with Megatron,weblink live,weblink April 3, 2019, July 27, 2020, Detroit News, en, He finished in third place to James Hinchcliffe and Laurie Hernandez.WEB, Hinds, Julie, November 22, 2016, Calvin Johnson finishes third on 'Dancing with the Stars',weblink live,weblink August 29, 2019, March 19, 2019, Detroit Free Press, en, {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" style="text-align:center;! rowspan="2" bgcolor="#CCCCCC" align="center" | Week! rowspan="2" bgcolor="#CCCCCC" align="center" | Dance / Song! colspan="4" bgcolor="#CCCCCC" align="center" | Judges' score! rowspan="2" bgcolor="#CCCCCC" align="center" | Result Inaba Goodman Hough Tonioli 1 Cha-cha-cha / "That's What I Like" 7 7 7 7 No elimination 2 Foxtrot / "As Days Go By" 7 7 7 7 Safe 3 Viennese Waltz / "It's a Woman's World" 8 8 8 8 Safe (Immunity) 4 Charleston / "Bella Donna Twist" 8 7 7 7 Safe 5 Jazz / "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" 8 8 8 8 No elimination 6 Argentine Tango / "Hotel California" 9 10 9 9 Last to be called safe 7 Jive / "Good Golly, Miss Molly" Team Freestyle / "The Skye Boat Song" 910 99 99 910 Safe 8 Quickstep / "Dr. Bones" Jive Dance Off / "The Purple People Eater" 10No 10Extra 10Points 10Awarded Safe 9 Waltz / "Memory (Cats song)" Team-Up Dance (Pasodoble>Paso Doble) / "No Good" 99 99 1010 99 Safe 10Semifinals Ballroom tango / "Seven Nation Army" Trio Salsa (dance)>Salsa / "Limbo" 810 910 910 910 Last to be called safe 11Finals Viennese Waltz / "I Am Your Man" Freestyle dance / "Please Mr. Postman" & "I Want You Back" Jive (dance)>Jive & Quickstep Fusion / "Tutti Frutti" 81010 91010 91010 91010! style="background:tan;" | Third Place

Cannabis

{{See also|Cannabis and sports}}In February 2019, Johnson and his wife Brittney were granted preliminary approval to open a medical cannabis dispensary in Michigan.WEB, LeBlanc, Beth, February 21, 2019, Calvin Johnson wins preliminary approval for medical pot shop,weblink live,weblink March 6, 2019, March 4, 2019, The Detroit News, WEB, Biolchini, Amy, February 21, 2019, Former Detroit Lion Calvin Johnson gets thumbs up for Michigan marijuana shop,weblink live,weblink March 6, 2019, March 4, 2019, mlive.com, He has since proceeded with plans to launch several cannabis facilities across the state (along with his business partner Rob Sims) under the brand name Primitiv.WEB, LeBlanc, Beth, August 15, 2019, Calvin Johnson joins Michigan marijuana trade association board,weblink live,weblink August 15, 2019, August 26, 2019, The Detroit News, WEB, Gray, Kathleen, August 15, 2019, Former Detroit Lions players announce partnership with Harvard to study marijuana,weblink live,weblink August 29, 2019, August 26, 2019, Detroit Free Press, In August 2019, Johnson was named to the board of directors of the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association.PRESS RELEASE, Former Detroit Lion Calvin Johnson Jr. Joins Michigan Cannabis Industry Association Board of Directors, August 15, 2019, Michigan Cannabis Industry Association, Lansing,weblink August 26, 2019, dead,weblink August 27, 2019, Also in August 2019, Johnson announced a partnership with Harvard University to study the effects of cannabis on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and its benefits in managing pain. As part of the partnership, Johnson and Sims announced a six-figure donation to the International Phytomedicines and Medical Cannabis Institute at Harvard.WEB, Rothstein, Michael, August 15, 2019, Megatron partners in marijuana-for-CTE research,weblink live,weblink August 16, 2019, August 26, 2019, ESPN.com, In his Hall of Fame induction speech, Johnson noted his work with Harvard and the potential for plant-based medicines to "provide an alternative to their destructive counterparts, opioids".WEB, Reisman, Jeremy, August 8, 2021, Calvin Johnson uses Hall of Fame speech to advocate for pain treatment alternatives in sports,weblink live,weblink August 12, 2021, August 12, 2021, Pride of Detroit,

Personal life

Johnson founded The Calvin Johnson Jr. Foundation, Inc. in 2008.WEB, Monarrez, Carlos, July 5, 2014, Lions Calvin Johnson builds solid foundation,weblink live,weblink January 21, 2023, January 21, 2023, USA TODAY, en-US, The foundation's goals include dedication to education, training, and social development of at-risk youth and providing financial aide to various community organizations.WEB, Calvin Johnson Jr. Foundation,weblink live,weblink January 21, 2023, January 21, 2023, Calvin Johnson Jr. Foundation, en, The Foundation hosts an annual camp called Catching Dreams, which aims to help high school wide receivers.WEB, Ramsaier, Mary, July 2015, Catching Dreams continues charitable focus for Calvin Johnson Jr. – Fayette County News,weblink live,weblink January 21, 2023, January 21, 2023, Fayette County News, en-US, Johnson became engaged to long-time girlfriend Brittney McNorton in March 2015.WEB, Rothstein, Michael, March 17, 2015, Calvin Johnson gets engaged in Baltimore,weblink live,weblink January 21, 2023, January 21, 2023, ESPN.com, en, They were married in June 2016.WEB, Manzullo, Brian, June 1, 2016, Ex-Lions WR Calvin Johnson is getting married Saturday,weblink live,weblink April 2, 2019, March 19, 2019, Detroit Free Press, The couple currently resides in Detroit. He has a son, C.J., from a previous relationship.WEB, Demara, Max, March 28, 2018, Former Lions wideout Calvin Johnson reveals wife is expecting,weblink live,weblink October 5, 2020, March 19, 2019, Detroit Lions, en-US, Johnson is a Christian. Johnson has a tattoo of the crucifixion of Jesus on his left arm and a Christian cross on his right arm.WEB, November 13, 2009, Strength in Numbers: Calvin Johnson,weblink live,weblink May 10, 2019, March 19, 2019, YouTube.com, NFL Players Association, Johnson was part of a weekly Bible study group with other Lions players.WEB, Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions,weblink dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20140423092730weblink">weblink April 23, 2014, March 19, 2019, Fellowship of Christian Athletes,

See also

• List of Detroit Lions first-round draft picks
• List of National Football League annual receiving yards leaders
• List of National Football League annual receiving touchdowns leaders
• List of National Football League annual receptions leaders
• List of Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees
• National Football League 2010s All-Decade Team

References

{{Reflist}}

External links

{{Commons category|Calvin Johnson}}

• {{Football stats |nfl=calvin-johnson|espn=10447 |cbs=502629 |yahoo=8256 |pfr=J/JohnCa00 }}
• Pro Football Hall of Fame bio
• weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20071010033933weblink">Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets bio

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