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USA TODAY Sports
Calvin Johnson joked at the start of his speech that he was a man of few words. But the former Lions wide receiver still managed to exceed the 8-minute deadline by 2 minutes when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
In those 10 minutes, as expected, Johnson did not recognize the Lions’ organization. His relationship with the franchise remains strained, five years after his abrupt retirement from the NFL at the age of 30.
A recent Lions offer hasn’t helped matters.
Johnson thanked his teammates, coaches, Lions fans and the city of Detroit on Sunday night.
“Lions fans and the city of Detroit,” Johnson said. “When we had 0-16 you never stopped showing yourself. You were disappointed, but you never stopped showing yourself. Every week you show up. It motivated me to do the same. for you. You have loved me and my family unconditionally for these 15 years. I want you to know: Michigan is our home. Detroit is our city. Lions fans are our pride.
“To all my teammates and coaches that I have played with, please stand up. It’s hard for me to go back and name each of you. It’s not really that hard, but I just want you to know that I enjoyed every moment I spent with you on the pitch, in the locker room and with our families. These relationships and friendships will last a lifetime, and I want you to know that they have helped me carry me through this moment right now. I’m grateful, grateful for each of you. I like you.”
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