Detroit Lions: Calvin Johnson expects to get into Hall of Fame … eventually

Despite a lack of team success, former Detroit Lions’ wide receiver Calvin Johnson still believes his numbers are good enough to make him a Hall of Famer.

Calvin Johnson is undoubtedly the greatest wide receiver in the history of the Detroit Lions. Just look at the numbers. Johnson currently leads the franchise in career receptions (731), receiving yards (11,619), receiving touchdowns (83), and receiving yards per game (86.1).

In 2012, the player known affectionately as Megatron posted the greatest single-season by a receiver in NFL history, recording a record-setting 1,964 receiving yards. The 26-year old Johnson would break former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver and Hall of Famer Jerry Rice‘s record of 1,848 yards, which the G.O.A.T. set back in 1995 at the age of 33. And it’s a record that still stands today.

The production clearly indicates Johnson is a Hall of Fame-caliber player. But there is another cherished number that could deny his bust entry into the hallowed halls. And that’s the Lions win/loss total during his tenure.

During Johnson’s nine-year career in the Motor City, his teams went a combined 54-90. Megatron led the Lions to the playoff only twice during the span, losing both postseason games. Although Johnson, who retired in his prime at the age of 30, holds many records, being touted as a winner isn’t one of them.

Undoubtedly, the fact Detroit failed to win during that era had little to do with Johnson himself and said more about a lackluster surrounding cast, a steady rotation of coaches, and an inept front office. Still, winning matters in the NFL. But how much does it factor in when it comes to getting into the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Here’s what Johnson told Sports Illustrated about making the Hall of Fame during an interview with SI’s Michael Rosenberg in their upcoming issue slated for publication next week.

"“I don’t expect to get in on the first ballot. But I do expect to get in eventually. I got 11,000 yards—but if that’s not enough, it’s not enough. If I don’t make it, I’m not gonna stop living life.”"

Fans who witnessed Calvin Johnson’s career first-hand surely believe he deserves to get into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. And Megatron’s numbers only confirm that belief. Now, it’s a matter of how the Hall of Fame voters themselves feel. Having retired after the 2015 season, Johnson will first be eligible for the honor in 2021. Although NFL.com’s Elliot Harrison predicts he’ll actually get the nod the following year.