Calvin Johnson Could Reconcile with Lions Soon

The Detroit Lions could have the full support of Calvin Johnson soon.
In this story:

Former Detroit Lions wideout Calvin Johnson could reconcile with the organization in the not too distant future. 

After the Pro Football Hall of Famer decided to end his NFL career, the Lions made a controversial decision. 

The organization's former regime successfully recouped $1.6 million of his signing bonus, and he has expressed for the past several years that he would not want to be affiliated with an organization that treated its players that way. 

More: Dre Bly Joins Lions Coaching Staff

It is very uncommon for a team to recoup monies from a player of Johnson's caliber. 

Recall, he played through numerous injuries until he could no longer tolerate the physical punishment he was enduring on a weekly basis. 

“We’re trending up. We’re trying to come together and make something happen,” Johnson said, via the New York Post. “Obviously, I’d love to be around the team and do more things there and help the guys out. It’s good that we’re moving in the right direction.”

Since the disagreement began, the team has often stated its desire to reconcile with Johnson. 

The 37-year-old has regularly stated what he needed in order to let go of the frustrations he has felt toward the team's upper management. 

"It’s the principle. It’s the principle of it," Johnson previously explained. "You cannot have me back unless you put that money back in my pocket. I’m not working for it.”

Simmering tensions between the fans and ownership regarding Johnson's treatment were on full display in 2021 at Ford Field. 

The fans decided to loudly boo principal owner Sheila Hamp last September during a celebration intended to honor the talented wideout. 

When asked if the money was in the process of being returned, Johnson expressed, "Like I said, we’re in the process.”


Published
John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!