The guy called Megatron once had an unenviable nickname: Butterfingers.
Calvin Johnson certainly outgrew his penchant for dropping the ball, becoming one of the NFL's most productive receivers. He has been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The ceremony for the class of 2021 was held Sunday at the hall in Canton, Ohio.
Johnson spent his entire nine-year career with the Lions, and Detroit made the playoffs only twice. Johnson suffered through a 0-16 season in 2008, yet still led the league that year with 12 touchdown catches and had 1,331 yards for a 17.1 average.
Johnson finished his career with 731 receptions for 11,619 yards and 83 touchdowns. Those numbers, and the impact he had on the sport made him a first-year eligible selection for the hall.
Stressing how much pain he was in throughout his playing days, Johnson said he still "made up my mind I'd be the most dominant receiver in the NFL."
He accepted the nickname given to him by fellow receiver Roy Williams, pinpointing his second pro season as when "the Megatron mindset was born."
Seven other men were inducted Sunday into the class of 2021. In addition to Johnson, Peyton Manning, John Lynch, Charles Woodson and Alan Faneca were inducted as modern-day players.
Tom Flores entered in the coaching category, and Drew Pearson in the senior category. Bill Nunn, who was recognized posthumously in April from the contributors, will be featured in a video tribute.
On Saturday, 20 members of the class of 2020 were enshrined, including former Lions defensive lineman Alex Karras. The ceremony was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During his time with the Lions from 1958-1970, Karras was selected to the Pro Bowl four times. He went on to have a long acting career and was known for his roles in the film "Blazing Saddles" and the television series "Webster."
Karras died in 2012 at the age of 77.
