Tag: Calvin Johnson

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Detroit Lions Jameson Williams is nearing return, should he?

The rebuilding Detroit Lions are playing much better football these days. It has not always shown up in wins/losses but the team is better. Now the team is close to getting back a player who they moved up to draft, WR- Jameson Williams. The team has said they want to get him on the field this season. Having torn his ACL last season at Alabama. Should the speedy Williams really return the season?

ALLEN PARK, MICHIGAN – JULY 27: Jameson Williams #18 of the Detroit Lions looks on during the Detroit Lions Training Camp on July 27, 2022 at the Lions Headquarters and Training Facility in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

Game breaking speed-check. Good with the football in his hands-check. Excellent rout runner-check. Dangerous double move that keeps defenders in check-check. Great hands and makes spectacular catches-check. Jameson Williams is a real weapon on offense. He is a player who can give the Detroit Lions a deep threat.

This week Jameson Williams practiced with the Lions after rehabbing his knee. Williams was asked if he is able to run full speed, to which he said he’s really close to doing. Williams said he feels really good. It is clear he is chomping at the bit to get out on the field.

The question is with 11 games played should the Lions play Williams? There are six games left in the season and little chance Jameson Williams plays Sunday in Jacksonville. But it seems certain he will make his debut soon.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – AUGUST 20: Jameson Williams #9 of the Detroit Lions is seen before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 20, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

The Detroit Lions may be making the right call. The thought is to get Williams out there and let him get hit and in football shape. Afterall, Williams is eager to get out on the field. Detroit who traded up to #12 in this past NFL Draft to draft Williams was clearly drafting him for the future.

It could be the team wants to see some sort of return for the trade up and getting the speedy WR on the field makes sense. Detroit Lions fans should be excited to see Williams in action. The team has not had a true game breaking WR since Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson played in the Motor City.

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Detroit Lions legend Calvin Johnson has been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Not long ago I wrote that Calvin Johnson and the Detroit Lions were still at odds over money the Lions asked for back once Calvin Johnson retired and the two parties need to work things out. I believe that will happen soon. Last night Cavin Johnson was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the first ballot. Johnson AKA “Megatron” becomes just the seventh wide receiver to be enshrined his first year on the ballot.

DETROIT, MI – NOVEMBER 22: Calvin Johnson #81 of the Detroit Lions looks on during the game against the Oakland Raiders at Ford Field on November 22, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan. The Lions defeated the Raiders 18-13. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/Detroit Lions/Getty Images)

Calvin Johnson did not workout for any NFL team before the 2007 NFL draft. He did not need to. It was clear to every team, every scout, every general manager, Johnson was a game changer. Johnson at  6-foot-5 and 239 pounds ran the  40-yard dash in 4.35 seconds.

Much like former Detroit Lions running back and Hall of Fame member Barry Sanders, Calvin Johnson  was a quiet superstar,  who drew attention to himself with his play not running his mouth. He was revered by teammates for his all-out competitiveness on the field and his lack of ego away.

Many members of the Detroit media pointed out on social media after the announcement was made that Johnson was the absolute kindest person they have ever talked with.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – SEPTEMBER 16: Calvin Johnson #81 of the Detroit Lions looks on during pre-game warm ups before their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on September 16, 2012 in San Francisco, California. The 49ers won the game 27-19. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Even though Johnson played just nine seasons, and about 60 fewer games than the average Hall of Fame receiver, he racked up the accolades. Calvin Johnson was selected to six consecutive Pro Bowls -2010-15, earned first-team All-Pro honors three times -2011-13 and was named to the league’s all-decade team for the 2010s.

Detroit Lions Shelia Ford Hamp offered a statement the team released

Calvin Johnson and the Detroit Lions need to have a sit down. The Lions should do right by Johnson and give his signing bonus back. There is no if’s, and’s or, but’s about it. Calvin Johnson earned his money.

Otherwise it could be awkward when enshrinement day rolls around.

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Calvin Johnson is a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and he is still at odds with the Detroit Lions

Former Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson is a finalist for Pro Football Hall of Fame. Johnson’s numbers speak to the matter. The player known as “Megatron” retired with 731 receptions for 11,619 yards and 83 touchdowns all Detroit Lions franchise records. Johnson was also selected to seven consecutive Pro Bowl’s.

The ups and downs of Detroit Lions football, fans know all to well played into Calvin Johnson retiring after 9 seasons. Former Lions running back and Hall of Fame member Barry Sanders had the same issue with the team.

The Detroit Lions and Johnson had agreed on an eight year contract extension in 2012. Johnson would retire in 2015. That is when the relationship between player and franchise took a turn for the worse.

The Detroit Lions asked Johnson to repay a portion of the signing bonus. “That’s the reason for the rift between the team and I, I had to pay some money back. The reason I don’t have any involvement with them is because of that. You can’t make me pay money back and then still want me to come around. It doesn’t work like that.” Johnson said.

No matter if you agree or disagree with the player or the team, it is an issue. Calvin Johnson spent his entire NFL career in Detroit. No matter how good or bad the Lions were Calvin Johnson’s production never dropped off, part of the reason he is a Hall of Fame finalist.

Barry Sanders and Lions had similar issues after the Lions legend retired after 9 seasons. The Lions asked for money back. Eventually both sides made amends and Sanders now does a lot of public relation work for the Lions.

CHICAGO – JANUARY 03: Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson plays against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois on January 3, 2016. (Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images)

It would be nice for player, team and fans if the Detroit Lions and Calvin Johnson would make amends once Johnson reaches the Hall of Fame. This should be a priority for Lions owner Shelia For Hamp.