A look back on Calvin Johnson’s record-tying five 200-yard games
Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson is walking away from football after nine seasons at the age of 30, which makes his body of work even more impressive.
Johnson compiled an extensive list of accolades throughout his career. He put together the greatest receiving season in NFL history in his fifth season in the league, logging 1,964 yards in 2012. He ranks second all-time in yards per game with an average of more than 86, and he ranks 27th on the all-time receiving list. He’s gone to six Pro Bowls.
Most impressively, though, Johnson totaled 200 or more yards in five separate games over his nine-year run, tying an NFL record. Here’s a look back at those incredible performances.
Dec. 18, 2011: 214 yards vs. Raiders
Johnson caught two touchdown passes in a 28–27 victory, including the game-winner with just 39 seconds remaining. His other score? A 51-yard grab.
Jan. 1, 2012: 244 yards vs. Packers
Johnson hauled in a second-quarter touchdown pass to set a new franchise record with 16 on the season, and tortured the Green Bay secondary all afternoon with 11 receptions on 17 targets. As was custom with big Megatron games, Johnson came up huge in the second half, but a controversial call wiped away a Titus Young touchdown and ultimately led to a 45–41 Packers victory.
Nov. 11, 2012: 207 yards vs. Vikings
The Lions were never able to overcome an early 10-point deficit, but that wasn’t Johnson’s fault. He racked up 101 yards in the fourth quarter alone to help Detroit’s comeback effort.
Dec. 22, 2012: 225 yards vs. Falcons
Rick Osentoski/AP
In the 14 games in which he racked up at least 153 receiving yards, this was the only time Johnson went without a touchdown catch. The Falcons left Detroit with a 31–18 victory and Megatron’s failure to reach the end zone, coupled with a fumble, made this great receiving performance rather forgettable.
Oct. 27, 2013: 329 yards vs. Cowboys
Johnson was targeted 16 times and made 14 catches, helping the Lions edge the Cowboys, 31–30, at home. Johnson made an 87-yard catch in the opening quarter to set up a two-yard touchdown catch, and then grabbed catches for 17, 22 and 54 yards in the fourth quarter to bring Detroit back from a 20–10 deficit in just 11 minutes.
