The relationship between the Detroit Lions organization and Hall of Fame wide receiver Calvin Johnson could be warming back up.
In his press conference this week, Lions team president Rod Wood noted that the franchise is working on repairing the rift with the superstar wideout. Johnson has taken umbrage with the team asking him to repay millions in bonuses when he retired just four years into his record-setting eight-year contract worth over $113 million. It’s led to acrimony from Johnson, and he hasn’t been shy about speaking out about his contempt for the organization.
Wood sounded optimistic that the team would be actively involved in celebrating Johnson’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer. Johnson was selected on the first ballot.
“On the Hall of Fame, we’re working actively with Calvin and his team on celebrations at the Hall of Fame and continuing to have conversations with him,” Wood said via Zoom. “I know he’s mentioned publicly that he’s connected with Sheila (owner Ford Hamp), and that’s a positive step. So, we’ll continue to celebrate with him, and I think the relationship is headed in the right direction.”
That is good news in advance of what should be a special summer for Johnson.