Detroit Lions: 15 greatest wide receivers in franchise history

There’s really no debate here. Calvin Johnson is easily the best wideout to ever step on the field for the Detroit Lions and there’s an argument to be made that he’s the most talented player at his position ever. Sadly, his career numbers won’t reflect that as Detroit was unable to capitalize on his insane skills.

Johnson was a generational talent who retired in his prime, much like running back Barry Sanders did as well. Unfortunately, the Lions didn’t turn those players into winning and Johnson recently opened up about his frustrations with the organization.

Speaking with Micheal Rosenberg of Sports Illustrated, Johnson was asked about whether or not he questioned the team’s commitment to winning during his tenure. The talented wideout was blunt and said:

"“Of course. I can say that. And I say it more confidently after I left and saw the way other teams operate.”"

It’s not hard to understand where he’s coming from here. In nine seasons with Detroit, Johnson only saw two playoff berths and the team lost both games — although he did go for 211 yards and two touchdowns in their 2011 postseason game.

Overall, he finished first in franchise history in every major category as he had 731 receptions for 11,619 yards and 83 touchdowns. Johnson came close to the 2,000-yard mark in 2012 when he had 122 catches for 1,964 yards and remained effective until his final campaign in 2015.

That final season, at 30-years of age, Johnson had 1m214 yards and nine touchdowns before surprisingly stepping away from the game.