Calvin Johnson’s career is worthy of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. And, his NFL opponents agree.
Johnson, a 6’5″ wide receiver, spent nine years playing for the Detroit Lions. He is included on the shortlist of finalists for the 2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class. Johnson played for the Lions from 2007-2015. He played in 135 games during his NFL career. Johnson also had 731 catches for 11,619 yards. Furthermore, he averaged 15.9 yards per reception and scored 83 touchdowns.
In other words, Calvin Johnson was a terror to defend for the opponents he faced. It’s not surprising that his nickname was “Megatron.”
Opponents Support Calvin Johnson for Hall of Fame
Interestingly, even though Johnson caused his opponents so much trouble over the years, some of the defenders Johnson faced are making a case for him to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year.
According to a report from the Heavy.com, the Detroit Lions organization is doing its part to get Calvin Johnson in the Hall of Fame. The organization reached out to his former opponents for comments supporting his induction into that revered club.
And, those opponents responded. These comments were shared on Twitter by the Lions. San Francisco 49ers CB Richard Sherman was one of Johnson’s former opponents who shared his support of Johnson’s induction into the Hall of Fame.
“Calvin Johnson deserves induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame because he’s a once in a lifetime, generational talent,” Sherman said.
“He was built like a tight end, but he could run routes just like a little guy,” Charles Tillman also said. “For a guy to be that big, it’s kind of rare. … He’s definitely a one of a kind receiver.”
Four-time first-team All-Pro Charles Woodson probably offered the most shining endorsement of Calvin Johnson making the Hall of Fame.
“Calvin was rare in the fact that he was one of the few guys that had his size, length, height, speed, and body control to be able to put it all together and make it work,” Woodson said.
Check out the Twitter thread below.
Candidates Announced for 2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class
In addition to Calvin Johnson, several other familiar names are on the shortlist for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year. These players include Peyton Manning and Charles Woodson. Other finalists on the list included John Lynch, LeRoy Butler, Jared Allen, Richard Seymour, Clay Matthews, Sam Mills, Zach Thomas, Alan Faneca, Tony Boselli, Torry Holt, Calvin Johnson, Reggie Wayne, and Ronde Barber.
The finalists will be considered for induction into the Hall of Fame on Tuesday (Jan. 19). The Hall’s Selection Committee will meet virtually that day.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame is located in Canton, Ohio. Members of the 2020 class included Jimbo Covert, Bill Cowher, Jimmy Johnson, Edgerrin James, Jimmy Johnson, Troy Polamalu, Steve Sabol, and George Young, among others.
