Calvin Johnson used his Pro Football Hall of Fame acceptance speech to promote plant-based medicine and thank Detroit Lions fans for their support during his storied career.
Johnson is the only player to be elected into the Hall of Fame before reaching 36, joining Jim Brown and Gale Sayers. He talked for 112 minutes on Sunday, his voice breaking with emotion at moments, and he specifically referenced his previous squad twice.
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"When we were 0-16, Lions fans and the people of Detroit never stopped turning up," Johnson said. "You were disappointed, but you never stopped showing up." You showed up every week. As a result, I was inspired to do the same 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, and Lions fans are our pride."
Johnson, who still lives in suburban Detroit, has been at odds with the Lions since his retirement after the 2015 season, when the organization ordered him to refund $1.6 million of his signing bonus for the years he didn't play.
Johnson has turned down offers to return to the company as a paid ambassador, but his rupture with the franchise was only hinted at on Sunday.
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Sheila Ford Hamp, her husband Steve Hamp, former Lions general manager Martin Mayhew, ex-coaches Jim Schwartz, and Jim Caldwell, and many of Johnson's former teammates — including Matthew Stafford, Dominic Raiola, and Rob Sims — were among those in attendance at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium for his speech.
Johnson requested all of his previous coaches and teammates to stand and be acknowledged at one time.
"I just want you to know how much I appreciated every time I had with you on the field, in the locker room, and with our families," Johnson concluded. "These relationships and friendships will last a lifetime, and I want you to know they've helped carry me to this moment right here. I'm thankful — thankful for each and every one of you. Love you,"
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Johnson said, thanking his family, several ex-coaches, and the performance team that helped him get ready to play NFL games by name, became the seventh wide receiver elected to the Hall of Fame on the first ballot, joining Randy Moss, Jerry Rice, Steve Largent, Paul Warfield, Lance Alworth, and Raymond Berry.
He retired as the Lions' all-time leader in receptions (731), receiving yards (11,619), and touchdown catches after nine NFL seasons (83). He was a three-time first-team All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler, and in 2012, he established the NFL single-season receiving yardage record with 1,964 yards.
Johnson began his remarks by recalling a back injury he sustained as a rookie in 2007, an ailment that left him temporarily unable to feel his legs and led him to believe his career was gone.
Johnson claimed he played through physical and emotional agony for the rest of his career, and that experience inspired him to start his own cannabis company, Primitiv, in retirement with his old colleague Sims.
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"No greater honor than standing before you tonight amongst these gentlemen has established my career in athletics," Johnson added. "But my life's legacy is still being written. My journey through life and sports has led me to the point of pursuing a new legacy, which for me is improving the quality of life for athletes and others. For those who are out there suffering in silence and living in pain, for those who feel like there's no hope for better days, I'm committed to helping people elevate their well-being through my partnerships."
Former Michigan star Charles Woodson, five-time MVP quarterback Peyton Manning, safety John Lynch, offensive lineman Alan Faneca, scout Bill Nunn, and receiver Drew Pearson were also inducted.
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