Copyright Newsweek
Calvin Johnson is not only one of the best players in Detroit Lions history, but he is also one of the most physically dominant wide receivers to ever play the game. During a historic 2012 season, Johnson set an NFL record with 1,964 receiving yards that still stands as the record. He paired with Matt Stafford to form one of the more dominant quarterback/wide receiver duos the league has seen. Despite retiring early at only 30 years old, Johnson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021. During an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday, Johnson made sure to give praise to Dan Campbell and what he has done for the organization. "Dan, there is nothing like having that player coach," Johnson said. "I was fortunate to have a player coach in Shawn Jefferson throughout half my career in Detroit. I understand the buy-in that you get. That is what those guys got up there, they got buy-in. The energy and environment to compete and thrive and become the best version of yourself, not just player. That is what Dan is creating there. It is a great culture." Since the day of Campbell's infamous 'bite some knee-caps' press conference, he has completely changed the attitude of the organization. This past off-season, the Lions lost both offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to the Chicago Bears, and Aaron Glenn to the New York Jets. There have been many teams that have lost both coordinators in an off-season come out and have a really tough season. After the 27-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 1, it looked like the Lions could be that type of team. However, they have responded and are 5-3 on the season heading into a Week 10 game at the Washington Commanders. The thing that Campbell has done as well as any coach in the NFL is that he stays true to who he is. They go for it as much as any team on fourth down, and that doesn't matter if it is a preseason game or a playoff game. As Johnson said, the buy-in from the team is noticeable when watching them play, and nothing is going to make Campbell change who he is.
