The Detroit Lions made another major step in repairing the franchise’s relationship with former star wide receiver Calvin Johnson. The Lions announced on Monday that Johnson will be inducted into their ring of honor, Pride of the Lions.
Johnson will be honored during halftime of their Monday Night Football game against the Seattle Seahawks on September 30, 2024.
Johnson, considered one of the best wideouts in the history of the NFL, spent all of his nine years as a pro with the Lions. During that time, he made six Pro Bowls, received three First-Team All-Pro nods, and set the single-season receiving yards record in 2012 with 1,964 yards. He is also the franchise’s all-time leader in catches (731), receiving yards (11,619), and receiving touchdowns (83).
However, the relationship between the Lions and Johnson soured shortly after his abrupt retirement following the 2015 season. The Lions forced Johnson to repay $1.6 million of his signing bonus for not completing his contract, something that didn’t sit well with the Hall of Famer.
For a long time, Johnson refused to take part in Lions’ events or attend their games since retiring, while saying that the relationship between him and the franchise would never become right again. Still, Johnson has walked back on these comments lately, having been present at the Lions’ practices and games throughout the 2023 season.
