Calvin Johnson Jr., nicknamed "Megatron", is a former NFL wide receiver considered one of the greatest of all time. He played nine seasons for the Detroit Lions after a successful college career at Georgia Tech, where he won the Fred Biletnikoff Award. Drafted second overall in 2007, Johnson's dominance and skill earned him widespread recognition and a place among football legends.
December 3, 1950: Breaking the Lions' Franchise Record
On December 3, 1950, Cloyce Box set the Detroit Lions' franchise record for receiving yards in a single game.
1963: Terry Barr's Record
In 1963, Terry Barr, playing for the Detroit Lions, set a record by leading the league in receiving touchdowns. This record stood until Calvin Johnson surpassed it in 2008.
1966: League-Leading Receiver
Calvin Johnson became the first Detroit Lions player to lead the league in receiving yards since Pat Studstill in 1966.
1966: Record-Tying Performance
Calvin Johnson tied an NFL record held by Pat Studstill from the 1966 season by recording five consecutive games with at least 125 receiving yards.
1967: Historic Receiving Average
Calvin 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.
September 29, 1985: Birth of Calvin Johnson Jr.
Calvin Johnson Jr. was born on September 29, 1985. This event marks the beginning of his life.
1989: Second-Highest Single-Game Yardage
In 1989, Flipper Anderson achieved the highest single-game receiving yardage in NFL history with 336 yards in an overtime game.
1992: End of Lions' Playoff Drought
The Detroit Lions' playoff win in 2023 marked their first postseason victory since 1992, ending a long drought for the franchise.
1994: Final Season Reception Record
Calvin Johnson's 2015 season marked the end of his NFL career. His 88 receptions that season were the second-most ever by a player in their final season, trailing only Sterling Sharpe's 94 receptions in 1994.
1999: Playoff Drought Ends
The Detroit Lions ended a playoff drought that had lasted since 1999, marking a significant moment for the team and Calvin Johnson's career.
2001: Matt Millen's Tenure
Matt Millen served as the Detroit Lions' general manager and CEO starting in 2001. His tenure, which lasted until September 24, 2008, was marked by significant challenges and a lack of success for the franchise.
2004: Calvin Johnson's Impressive Freshman Season at Georgia Tech
Calvin Johnson made an immediate impact as a freshman at Georgia Tech in 2004, showcasing his exceptional talent as a wide receiver. He set Georgia Tech freshman records and earned multiple accolades.
2005: Calvin Johnson Earns All-American Honors
Calvin Johnson continued to excel in his sophomore year at Georgia Tech in 2005, earning first-team All-American honors for his outstanding performance on the field.
2005: NFL Combine Performance
In 2005, Calvin Johnson impressed scouts at the NFL Combine with his size, speed, and athleticism. He weighed in at 239 pounds and ran an impressive 4.35 40-yard dash. His 11 ft 7 in broad jump was particularly noteworthy, with some calling it the best they had ever seen from an NFL prospect.
2006: Calvin Johnson Wins the Biletnikoff Award
In 2006, Calvin Johnson's exceptional junior season at Georgia Tech culminated in him being awarded the prestigious Biletnikoff Award, recognizing him as the nation's top collegiate wide receiver.
2006: Calvin Johnson Chooses Humanitarian Project Over Luxury Condo Construction
During the summer of 2006, Calvin Johnson demonstrated his compassion and commitment to social responsibility by opting to work on a project building solar latrines in Bolivia to improve sanitation instead of a potentially more lucrative construction job.
2006: Lions Duo Reaches Milestone
Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate became the first Detroit Lions duo to each achieve 1,000 receiving yards in a season since Roy Williams and Mike Furrey in 2006.
January 8, 2007: Calvin Johnson Declares for the NFL Draft
On January 8, 2007, Calvin Johnson made the decision to forgo his senior season at Georgia Tech and declared himself eligible for the NFL Draft.
August 3, 2007: Signing with the Detroit Lions
On August 3, 2007, after an eight-day holdout, Calvin Johnson signed a six-year contract with the Detroit Lions, worth up to $64 million. The deal included $27.2 million in guaranteed money, making him the highest-paid player in Lions' history at the time and the highest-paid receiver in the NFL in terms of guaranteed money. He passed his physical just in time to join the team for practice.
September 9, 2007: NFL Debut
Calvin Johnson made his NFL debut on September 9, 2007, in a game against the Oakland Raiders. Despite not starting, he had an impressive performance, catching four passes for 70 yards and scoring his first career touchdown. The Lions won the game with a score of 36-21.
September 23, 2007: Back Injury
On September 23, 2007, while making a catch against the Philadelphia Eagles, Calvin Johnson sustained a lower back injury.
October 21, 2007: First Rushing Touchdown
On October 21, 2007, in a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Calvin Johnson scored his first and only professional rushing touchdown. He achieved this on a 32-yard reverse play, contributing to the Lions' 23-16 victory.
2007: Calvin Johnson Drafted by the Detroit Lions
In 2007, Calvin Johnson was drafted by the Detroit Lions, marking the start of his NFL career.
2007: Draft Position and Career Impact
Drafted second overall by the Detroit Lions in the 2007 NFL Draft, Calvin Johnson went on to have a highly successful career, establishing himself as one of the league's most dominant wide receivers during his time with the Lions.
2007: Drafted by the Detroit Lions
Calvin Johnson was selected by the Detroit Lions as the second overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, making him the highest-drafted Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket ever. Though there were rumors of a potential trade, the Lions decided to keep him. Johnson even threw out the ceremonial first pitch at a Detroit Tigers game shortly after being drafted.
September 7, 2008: Season Opener Against Atlanta Falcons
On September 7, 2008, the Detroit Lions faced the Atlanta Falcons in their season opener at the Georgia Dome. Calvin Johnson, starting as wide receiver behind Roy Williams, led the team in receptions and yards with seven catches for 107 yards. This included a notable 38-yard catch-and-run. Despite his performance, the Lions lost the game 34-21.
September 24, 2008: Matt Millen's Termination
On September 24, 2008, Matt Millen, the Detroit Lions' general manager and CEO since 2001, was terminated from his position. This decision came after years of struggles and disappointing performances by the team.
2008: The Calvin Johnson Jr. Foundation Establishment
Calvin Johnson established The Calvin Johnson Jr. Foundation, Inc. in 2008 to support at-risk youth through education, training, social development programs, and community organization funding. The foundation's annual Catching Dreams camp provides guidance and support to aspiring high school wide receivers.
2008: Leading the NFL in Receiving Touchdowns
Despite the Detroit Lions' winless 0-16 season in 2008, Calvin Johnson emerged as a top wide receiver statistically. He finished fifth in receiving yards with 1,331 and seventh in receiving yards per game with 83.2. He led the league in receiving touchdowns with 12, becoming the first Lion to achieve this feat since Terry Barr in 1963.
2008: Lingering Back Injury
In 2008, Calvin Johnson revealed that he was still dealing with the effects of the lower back injury he sustained during his rookie season in 2007. Despite taking time off and participating in the Lions' offseason program, he admitted that he could still feel the injury. He even disclosed that he required Vicodin to play through the final three months of the 2007 season due to a bone bruise in his back.
2009: New Coaching Regime and Matthew Stafford
Following the 2008 season, the Detroit Lions underwent a major overhaul of their front office and coaching staff. Jim Schwartz was hired as the new head coach, bringing with him a revamped offensive philosophy led by offensive coordinator Scott Linehan. The Lions used the first overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft to select quarterback Matthew Stafford, who was expected to be a key part of the team's rebuilding process. Despite these changes, the Lions finished the 2009 season with a 2-14 record.
2009: Becoming the Lions' Starting Wide Receiver
Prior to the Week 6 trade deadline in 2009, the Detroit Lions traded Roy Williams to the Dallas Cowboys. This move made Calvin Johnson the team's primary wide receiver and the focal point of their passing attack.
October 22, 2010: Calvin Johnson's High School Jersey Retirement
On October 22, 2010, Sandy Creek High School retired Calvin Johnson's #81 jersey, a testament to his outstanding high school football career.
2010: Controversial Incomplete Catch and Season Performance
In the 2010 season opener, Calvin Johnson made a catch that appeared to be a game-winning touchdown, but it was ruled incomplete by referee Gene Steratore. Despite this setback, Johnson had a strong season, amassing 77 receptions for 1,120 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was selected to his first Pro Bowl and received the Lions/Detroit Sports Broadcasters Association/Pro Football Writers Association (Detroit Chapter) Media-Friendly Good Guy Award.
2011: Career-Best Season and Playoff Berth
Calvin Johnson had a standout season in 2011, recording a then career-high 1,681 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns. He achieved notable performances, including a game-winning performance against the Dallas Cowboys and a 214-yard, two-touchdown game against the Oakland Raiders. His performance contributed to the Detroit Lions clinching a playoff spot for the first time since 1999.
2011: Three-Year Receiving Yards Record
From 2011 to 2013, Calvin Johnson recorded an incredible 5,137 receiving yards, marking the highest total by any player over a three-year span in NFL history.
2011: NFL Top 100 Ranking
Calvin Johnson was ranked 27th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2011.
March 14, 2012: Lucrative Contract Extension
Calvin Johnson signed an eight-year contract extension with the Detroit Lions worth $132 million, including $60 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid receiver in the league.
April 25, 2012: Madden NFL 13 Cover Athlete
Calvin Johnson was selected as the cover athlete for the Madden NFL 13 video game, beating out 42 other players.
2012: Calvin Johnson Sets NFL Single-Season Receiving Yards Record
In 2012, Calvin Johnson etched his name in the NFL record books by setting a new record for receiving yards in a single season.
2012: Playoff Loss and NFL Top 100 Ranking
In a 2012 NFC Wild Card game against the New Orleans Saints, the Detroit Lions lost, but Calvin Johnson had a record-breaking performance. He caught 12 passes for 211 receiving yards and two touchdowns, breaking the Lions' playoff record for receiving yards. He was also ranked third by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2012.
2013: Season Performance
Calvin Johnson concluded the 2013 season with 84 receptions, 1,492 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns in 14 games.
2013: Record-Breaking Performances and Career-Highs
Calvin Johnson had a remarkable season in 2013, highlighted by several outstanding games. He set a career-high with 329 receiving yards against the Dallas Cowboys, breaking the Lions' franchise record. This performance was also the second-highest single-game yardage in NFL history. He also set the Lions' all-time record for touchdown catches with 63, surpassing Herman Moore.
2013: NFL Top 100 Ranking
Calvin Johnson was ranked third by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2013.
2013: Three-Year Receiving Yards Record (Continued)
Calvin Johnson's remarkable three-year stretch from 2011 to 2013 saw him accumulate 5,137 receiving yards, setting a new NFL record for most receiving yards over a three-year period.
2014: Pro Bowl Selection and NFL Top 100 Ranking
Calvin Johnson earned a Pro Bowl selection for his performance in the 2013 season but had to withdraw due to an injury. He was also ranked second by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2014.
2014: Start of 2014 NFL Season and Ankle Injury
Calvin Johnson started the 2014 NFL season strong with impressive stats, including a two-touchdown game against the New York Giants. However, he suffered an ankle injury later in the season that sidelined him for a few weeks. He returned later in the season and continued to deliver strong performances.
2014: Pro Bowl Selection and Season Stats
Calvin Johnson was named to his fifth Pro Bowl after the 2014 season. He and teammate Golden Tate achieved a notable feat by both surpassing 1,000 receiving yards in the season.
March 2015: Engagement to Brittney McNorton
Calvin Johnson got engaged to his long-time girlfriend, Brittney McNorton, in March 2015.
2015: Controversial Play and Franchise Records
In 2015, Calvin Johnson was involved in a controversial play where a touchdown was nullified due to a refereeing error. On a more positive note, he broke Herman Moore's franchise record for career receptions. Johnson also became the fastest player in NFL history to reach 11,000 receiving yards. He continued to achieve milestones and accolades, including his sixth Pro Bowl selection, which he declined to attend.
2015: Calvin Johnson Retires from the NFL
Citing health concerns and disillusionment with the Detroit Lions' lack of success, Calvin Johnson made the unexpected decision to retire from the NFL in 2015. Despite being widely regarded as still in his prime, Johnson's departure sent shockwaves through the league.
2015: NFL Top 100 Players Ranking
In 2015, Calvin Johnson earned recognition from his peers by being ranked sixth on the NFL Top 100 Players list.
2015: Career Statistics and Dominance
By the end of his career in 2015, Calvin Johnson had amassed impressive statistics, holding numerous receiving records for the Detroit Lions. He was widely regarded as one of the most dominant players at his position.
March 8, 2016: Retirement Announcement
Calvin Johnson announced his retirement from the NFL on March 8, 2016, after nine seasons in the league. He left behind an impressive legacy, holding various receiving records and earning recognition for his dominance as a wide receiver.
June 2016: Marriage to Brittney McNorton and Family Life
Calvin Johnson and Brittney McNorton were married in June 2016. They reside in Detroit, and Johnson also has a son, C.J., from a previous relationship.
August 30, 2016: Dancing with the Stars Appearance
On August 30, 2016, Calvin Johnson was announced as a contestant on season 23 of the dance competition show "Dancing with the Stars." He was partnered with Lindsay Arnold and reached third place in the competition.
2016: Calvin Johnson Inducted into Georgia Tech Sports Hall of Fame
Calvin Johnson's remarkable athletic achievements were further recognized in 2016 when he was inducted into the Georgia Tech Sports Hall of Fame.
2018: Calvin Johnson Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame
Calvin Johnson's impact on college football was cemented in 2018 with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.
2018: Calvin Johnson Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame
In recognition of his remarkable collegiate career, Calvin Johnson received one of the highest honors in college football in 2018 with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.
February 2019: Medical Cannabis Venture
In February 2019, Calvin Johnson and his wife Brittney received preliminary approval to open a medical cannabis dispensary in Michigan. This marked his entry into the cannabis industry, where he later launched multiple facilities under the Primitiv brand.
August 2019: Michigan Cannabis Industry Association Board Appointment
Calvin Johnson's involvement in the cannabis industry deepened in August 2019 when he was appointed to the board of directors for the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association, signifying his growing influence within the industry.
August 2019: Harvard University Partnership and CTE Research
In August 2019, Calvin Johnson partnered with Harvard University to research the effects of cannabis on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and its potential for pain management, a cause he highlighted in his Hall of Fame induction speech, emphasizing the potential of plant-based medicines as alternatives to opioids.
February 6, 2021: Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction
Calvin Johnson was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on February 6, 2021, a testament to his exceptional career and impact on the sport.
2021: Calvin Johnson's Enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame
In 2021, Calvin Johnson's legacy as one of the all-time great wide receivers was solidified when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
September 17, 2023: Return to Ford Field and Lions Playoff Win
After years of absence due to a dispute with the Lions organization, Calvin Johnson returned to Ford Field on September 17, 2023, to witness the Lions secure their first playoff victory since 1992, demonstrating a softening in his stance towards his former team.