From 2009 to 2015, Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson made up one of the best passing combinations of this generation. So the two embraced as soon as Stafford came onto the field for the big Lions-Rams game.
As Stafford came onto the field for a chorus of boos from the fans who had once cheered him, he met his former All-Pro wideout near midfield. When they hugged, cameras could pick up Johnson seemingly asking him to throw a few interceptions or turnovers in the game.
“I need one or two from ya and I’m not talking about touchdowns,” Johnson said with a smile. “Love you man!”
While Stafford didn’t commit any turnovers in a largely mistake-free performance, Johnson’s Lions still came away with the 24-23 win – ending a playoff win drought that had stretched back to the early 1990s.
Fans were just happy to see that Johnson had finally rebuilt his relationship with the team:
Calvin Johnson is an absolute legend pic.twitter.com/Pw24n4zp7B
— Tyler Sawa (@tyler_sawa) January 17, 2024
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“CJ was the man.. greatest receiver in NFL history!” one user replied.
“How great is it to have Megatron back in the fold?” another user wrote.
“I am so glad Megatron is happy,” a third wrote.
Will we see Calvin Johnson back at Ford Field for the Lions’ playoff game against the Buccaneers this weekend?