Calvin Johnson Wanted Atlanta Falcons to Trade Up for Him in NFL Draft

Ex-Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson revealed he did not want to be drafted by Detroit. Read more.

Calvin Johnson was drafted with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. 

Over the course of his nine seasons with the Lions, Johnson amassed 731 receptions for 11,619 yards and 83 touchdowns. 

His 5,137 receiving yards from 2011 to 2013 are the most over a three-year stretch in NFL history.

On Wednesday evening, Johnson joined ex-Lions safety Glover Quin for an in-depth conversation on Quin's "The DB Room" YouTube show.

Over the course of an hour-long conversation, Johnson shared stories from his childhood, his time at Georgia Tech, NFL combine experiences and his path to the NFL. 

Johnson was asked by his ex-teammate if he developed a chip on his shoulder since he was selected No. 2 instead of No. 1. 

"Sitting there leading up to the draft, I am like shoot -- boy, I hope I go to Atlanta," Johnson said. "Played my high school ball, played my college ball right here and then, playing in the NFL right here. That would be the best little thing ever. Atlanta got No. 7 -- I might not be there. I hope they trade up to get me."

Johnson added, "I didn't honestly want to go to Oakland. Didn't want to go across the country. Didn't want to go to Detroit. So far north. That's the thing about the NFL. Nobody has control over really where you're going unless you're Eli Manning."

Unfortunately, Johnson's relationship with the sole organization he played for soured when he was asked to return a portion of his signing bonus. 

After an introductory period filled with technical difficulties, Quin corrected the issues.

The interview subsequently starts at approximately the 16-minute mark. 

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