Legendary NFL wide receiver Calvin Johnson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Sunday night.
Johnson gave a great speech, though there was one telling – although unsurprising – omission.
As noted by Pro Football Talk, Johnson did not thank the Lions front office or organization. He did thank his teammates, coaches, trainers, etc.
“Lions fans and the city of Detroit,” Johnson said. “When we were 0-16, you never stopped showing up. You were disappointed, but you never stopped showing up. Every week, you showed up. This motivated me to do the same thing for you. You loved me and my family unconditionally over these 15 years. I want you to know: Michigan is our home. Detroit is our city. Lions fans are our pride.
“To all my teammates and coaches I played with, please stand. It’s hard for me to go back and name every single one of you. It’s not really that hard, but I just want you to know I valued every moment I spent with you on the field, in the locker room and with our families. These relationships and friendships will last a lifetime, and I want you to know they helped carry me to this moment right now. I’m thankful, thankful for each and every one of you. Love you.”
Johnson has a strained relationship with the Lions’ organization due to money owed from his retirement.
According to reports, Johnson turned down a notable offer from the Lions.
This is a little complicated, but the Lions have made an offer for Calvin Johnson to rejoin the family. Here are some of the details, an explanation of why the team can’t just throw money at him, and the latest on where things stand w/the two https://t.co/ML5NYA04XX via @freep
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) August 6, 2021
Johnson had a simple explanation for turning down the offer.
“I mean, it wasn’t what I paid back, put it like that. So they’re not serious,” Johnson told the publication. “That’s all.”
Hopefully the relationship can be mended in the years to come. It doesn’t look great right now, though.
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