GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared Monday as “Megatron Day” to honor former Detroit Lion and NFL Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson.
The honor lines up with the ceremony Monday night to induct Johnson into the team’s ring of honor, the Pride of the Lions.
“Calvin Johnson’s extraordinary talents and contributions to the sport of football have earned him a special place in the hearts of Michiganders and football fans across the nation,” Whitmer said in her proclamation. “We are proud to honor his legacy and impact as one of the greatest to ever wear the Honolulu blue and silver.”
The Lions surprised Johnson with the announcement in July at his foundation’s golf outing. He will be the 21st legend to be inducted into the Pride of the Lions, a permanent display at Ford Field that opened in 2009.
Offensive tackle Lomas Brown was inducted last year, and linebacker Chris Spielman was inducted in 2021.
The Lions selected Johnson second overall in the 2007 NFL Draft and the rangy wide receiver immediately made his presence felt in the league, being named to the NFL’s All-Rookie Team.
By his fourth season in the league, and after two years playing with quarterback Matthew Stafford, Johnson proved to be one of the NFL’s best. He made his first of six consecutive Pro Bowls and was named second-team All-Pro in 2010.
He posted arguably his best season in 2012, racking up 122 catches for 1,964 yards and five touchdowns. That season he finished third place in NFL Offensive Player of the Year voting.
Johnson retired following the 2015 season and several years of nagging injuries. He finished his NFL career with 731 catches, 11,619 yards and 83 touchdowns in just 135 games.
Despite the shorter career, Johnson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the Class of 2021. He was inducted in his first year of eligibility and was the third-youngest person to ever be inducted into the Hall.
The ceremony will be held during halftime of Monday night’s game against the Seattle Seahawks.