The Detroit Lions announced that they’ll induct Calvin Johnson into their Ring of Honor during the 2024 season. They surprised the Hall of Fame wide receiver with the news on Monday.
During a celebrity golf event in Detroit, Lions COO Mike Disner told an unexpected Johnson that he’s joining the Pride of the Lions. The induction ceremony will take place during halftime of their Monday Night Football game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 30.
After hearing the news, Johnson teared up while addressing attendees.
“I need a second to compose yourself. I appreciate you all for being here. Man, you got me all messed up,” Johnson said to applause, courtesy of Kay Adams . “I’m a crier. I get it from my dad.”
The moment HOF’er @calvinjohnsonjr found out about being inducted into the @Lions Ring of Honor. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/YIbXFIr3CI
— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) July 15, 2024
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Fans responded to Johnson’s touching reaction on social media.
“Always a class act,” a Lions fan wrote . “Well deserved.”
“I love how emotional he is post career,” another fan said . “He really cared about the game.”
“So glad this is finally happening! I don’t care about numbers or records,” a fan said . “Turn on the tape. This is the greatest WR of all time … he’s a legend and deserves this.”
Despite retiring after his sixth straight Pro Bowl season in 2015, Johnson tops the franchise leaderboard in all-time catches (731), receiving yards (11,619), and receiving touchdowns (83). He still holds the NFL record for most receiving yards (1,964) in a single season.
While he seems like a no-brainer choice to join the Pride of the Lions, Johnson first had to repair a rift with the organization caused by financial disputes after his retirement. Early last year, Johnson said his relationship with the Lions was “trending up” because Disner helped “get us back on the same page.”
His pending Pride of the Lions induction seems like a major indication of the two signs reconciling.
“We are thrilled to add Calvin Johnson Jr. to the Pride of the Lions,” Lions President and CEO Rod Wood said in a team announcement . “His commitment on the field and to the city of Detroit are legendary and this is a well-deserved honor. We are proud that he will be forever memorialized inside Ford Field and as a Detroit Lion.”
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