Magic Johnson Called Wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown after Lions Drafted Him
The Detroit Lions' front office was not concerned about selecting a wide receiver early in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Based on reports from the scouting department, there was a sense the team could add a talented wide receiver later in the draft.
With early selections being used to bolster the offensive and defensive lines, even principal owner Sheila Ford Hamp wondered if and when the team was going to draft a wideout.
During the latest installment of "Inside the Den", Ford Hamp is shown asking general manager Brad Holmes how the team would address its void at wide receiver in the draft.
Holmes explained that he felt confident with the players still remaining on the board, especially USC wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
The former USC standout ended up being selected by the Lions in the fourth round of the draft.
After celebrating with his family, the rookie wideout received a phone call from NBA Hall of Famer, business entrepreneur and sports executive Earvin "Magic" Johnson.
"All that hard work you put in brother, it paid off," Johnson told St. Brown.
Johnson advised St. Brown further, "Now, you have a lot more to do. It starts right now. So, celebrate today and tonight. Then, we got to hit it again tomorrow."
Falling in the draft has added fuel to the fire of Detroit's newest offensive weapon.
"I’m never going to forget the 15 receivers that went before me in the draft," St. Brown told reporters during rookie minicamp. "That’s kind of the chip that I have on my shoulder coming in, everything that I do. Whenever I’m thinking about anything, that just comes back to my mind, and it just motivates me to do more."
More from SI All Lions:
Sheila Ford Hamp Questioned Brad Holmes about Need for Wide Receiver
Are Things Really Different for the Detroit Lions?
Tyrell Crosby Appreciates Fan Support Amid Trade Rumors
3 Keys to Success for Romeo Okwara in 2021
What We Learned From the Detroit Lions' 2021 Minicamp
Ex-Lion Gilvanni Johnson: Bo Could Have Prevented Additional Assaults