Detroit Lions: Calvin Johnson living up to villainous nickname
There was a time when Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin 0Johnson was counted among my favorite players. Now, he probably wouldn’t be counted in my top 10.
This will not be the popular opinion among Detroit Lions fans, but wide receiver Calvin Johnson has lost his luster. As a player, it was easy to cheer for Calvin on Sundays because he was a dynamic presence.
Off the field, during his playing career, Johnson always carried himself with the utmost professionalism. When he gave answers, they were thoughtful and showed a real respect for the game. But since retirement, Johnson’s attitude has shifted to blaming the Lions for losing, and not wanting anything to do with the franchise.
Johnson’s issues with Detroit are not unfathomable. I get it. As a fan, I too feel ‘fed up’ at times with the Lions.
But as a professional athlete, who was at the time among the best paid in the entire league, shouldn’t you do what you can to make the team better?
MEGATRON as Nickname
Wide receiver Roy Williams is responsible for Johnson’s larger-than-life nickname: “Megatron.” Williams gave Johnson the nickname during his 2007 rookie campaign.
“Megatron” was meant to evoke the big strong robot of the 2007 “Transformers” live-action film (directed by Michael Bay).
It was a good nickname. In terms of his size and ability, Johnson might as well have been a giant robot. He dominated NFL corners and safeties right from the start of his career. And throughout his nine seasons with the Detroit Lions, Calvin amassed huge statistics.
“Megatron” is the all-time leader for the Detroit Lions in receptions (731), yards (11,619), and receiving touchdowns (83). He also holds the single season receiving yards record for the entire NFL (1,964 yards in 2012).
MEGATRON as villain
But since his retirement, there have been complaints by Calvin about retiring early because the Lions weren’t winning. Last year, there were even overtures floated about releasing Johnson from his contract, so he can play for another team.
These actions remind me more of the “Megatron” of the 1980’s cartoon version of “Transformers.” Selfish, blaming everyone else for his woes, taking no account for his role in losing efforts.
Calvin doesn’t deserve blame for Lions losses over the years, but he can’t just take the easy way and say, ‘they were losers, so I retired.’ If you can still play, and maybe injuries had gotten the better of him, then give it another go.
A professional career is short, and it is small in comparison to the lifespan of a human being. If you are capable of playing, then play. But don’t use retirement as a ploy to play for another team.