Calvin Johnson Says People Still Mock the Lions

Calvin Johnson Says People Still Mock the Lions
by Chris Fedor

Ever since Calvin Johnson came into the NFL in 2007, I felt that “Megatron” had all the tools to become the best wide receiver in the NFL at one point in his career.  He’s a 6 foot 5 monster that has speed to burn, sticky hands, tremendous leaping ability, and runs excellent routes.  If you were trying to create a wide receiver that could be unstoppable for years to come, it would be Calvin Johnson.  And despite playing in about three different offensive systems, with six different quarterbacks, and very little else on offense, Johnson has still managed to put up quality numbers through three seasons and has already made a Pro Bowl appearance.  While Johnson has all the ability to be elite in the NFL, he has yet to play to that caliber because he’s been stuck on a crappy Detroit team for the last three years.  However, 2010 will be the second season for Johnson and Matthew Stafford playing together in Detroit and if both of these guys can stay healthy, it could be the year that Megatron takes that next leap in the hierarchy of wide receivers in the NFL. Calvin Johnson joined WDFN in Detroit with Shep and Sharp to talk about the relationship between him and Matthew Stafford, the addition of Nate Burleson in the offseason, and whether or not he likes playing in Detroit.

On his relationship with Matthew Stafford:

“We’ve been working together all offseason.  Another offseason, the better our chemistry grows together.  What’s so good about it is every play we come together, after every series we come together, we’re out here and we discuss everything.  We get on the same page on every single play and it’s going good.”

On the addition of Nate Burleson:

“With Nate, we’ve got two different guys that can stretch the field vertically.  Nate’s a vet so he helps me out all the time when he sees little things that I’m doing wrong and I can do the same thing to him.  There’s no restrictions in our group.”

On whether or not he has heard the people talking bad about the Lions still:

“I’ve heard that.  I’ve heard that somewhere recently.  Not at all.  We understand that it’s just a privilege to be able to play in this league.  Not many of my friends I have from college are playing in the league.  Everybody knows it’s a privilege so you definitely don’t mock it ‘cause you never know where you may end up.”

On whether or not he’s been unhappy in Detroit:

“Like I said, it’s a privilege to be here.  It’s disappointing with some of the seasons but we’re gonna keep on working.”

On the lack of continuity in Detroit throughout his career:

“No question.  You have to put your head down and keep working every day.  It’s a ton of different situations that I’ve seen and I know there’s been people that have seen more from me.”