Megatron Joins Pride of the Lions on Monday Night Football

DETROIT – Nearly a decade has passed since Detroit Lions star Calvin Johnson abruptly retired from the NFL after the 2015 season at age 30, but on Monday night the Hall of Fame receiver will have a permanent place among the greatest players in team history.

Johnson will join the Pride of the Lions at halftime of Detroit's homecoming game against the Seattle Seahawks, honoring the brightest stars in team history at Ford Field.

Johnson said his relationship with the team is “definitely on the up” and he is pleased with the recognition.

Johnson's relationship with the team was poor for years after he was forced to pay back just over $1 million to the franchise following his resignation following the 2015 season, but he has returned and Lions Chief Operating Officer Mike Disner is helping to save the relationships.

“It’s definitely on the rise,” said Johnson, who was known as “Megatron” during his career. “We've come a long way since I left, and I don't know how long it's been now… eight, nine years ago, to the point where we are now. There's been an effort on both sides to get us back there. “At this point, I'm just happy to have my kids here and to be able to see what I've been able to accomplish on the field.

“And it's just exciting for my whole family to see the kids and they're like, 'Oh, Dad did that.' It's cool.”

The Pride of the Lions launched in 2009 and Johnson will join 20 other franchise greats, including Barry Sanders, Herman Moore, Lomas Brown and Chris Spielman. Johnson also celebrated his 39th birthday Sunday evening with a star-studded pre-game induction dinner at the Hall of Legends at Ford Field, attended by both Moore and Brown.

When asked, Johnson said he still doesn't regret his early retirement.

“The misconception is that I retired at the peak of my abilities. I mean, I stopped at the point when my body broke down,” Johnson said. “You’ve all seen me putting out numbers, but I’ve been putting out numbers my whole career. It was just at that point when I wasn't able to put in the level of work that was necessary. “I managed to get to where I needed to be in the offseason to start a full season because it just hurt so much.

“It takes the fun out of the game if you just run and play in pain all the time. I mean, what you all are saying: Yes, I could still do 1,000 yards, it's not hard. When I get the ball.”

Johnson led the NFL in receiving yards (11,619) and receiving touchdowns (83) during his nine-year career from 2007 to 2015. He also holds Lions franchise records for career receptions (731), receiving yards (11,619) and receiving touchdowns (83). ), but Sanders could feel his absence from the Pride of the Lions show as both parties sought to mend their relationship, resulting from Johnson's early resignation.

“It was essential. I think it was something we were all hoping for and we're excited to see fences being mended, and time is doing that in a lot of ways,” Sanders said in August. “You never have to wonder what Calvin means to Lions fans and this organization. So from one Lion to another in Calvin, it’s only right that he receives this recognition.”

“He deserves it. Many of us felt like something was missing.”

Johnson has a lot of respect in the Lions' current locker room for his work on the field and for being available as a mentor when needed.

“One of the best things ever at the receiver position. Having him around, obviously I'm a fan first and foremost, especially as a kid, but having him around and asking him questions,” Lions receiver Amon-Ra St Brown said. “I would say my game and his game are polar opposites, but yet we play the same position and go through the same things, so it's a blessing and an honor to have him and I'm glad he is “is capable of doing that.” finally getting the recognition he deserves.

Johnson said he hopes to bring good luck to the team as the Lions (2-1) will debut their all-black alternate uniforms for the first time on “Monday Night Football.” The team, which is trying to end a five-game losing streak to Seattle, has not worn the jerseys since 2007, when Johnson was with the team.

“He is one of them for this program and for this business. He is one of the greatest to ever play the game at this position. Even out of position, what he did was still incredible,” Lions receiver Jameson Williams said. “I just feel like this is great for him. His achievements are undeniable and I feel like maybe it should have come a little earlier.”