Let me start off by saying I’m a die-hard Lions fan, being born in Detroit, Michigan. Yes, even through the 0-16 year when my middle school collaboratively bashed on my support of a team with such an atrociously bad season. However, there was always one bright spot. No matter how horrid situations and personnel have often been, Calvin Johnson has maintained an elite level of play since 2007 (Johnson’s rookie year). Unrivaled raw talent, humbleness and astute professionalism make him liked and unquestioningly respected all around the league (ye, that means you cheese heads in Green Bay as well). Even at 28, one question remains. How will Calvin Johnson stack up amongst the all-time greats? Most will think I’m mad for taking this position, but I believe Johnson is the greatest to ever line up at the X & Y position.

When we think of the greatest receivers, several icons come to mind. Jerry Rice, Randy Moss, Cris Carter and Michael Irvin. All these receivers display exceptional skill sets and accomplishments that set them apart from others. For example, Michael Irvin didn’t have the best stats in the world, but he was the heart and soul of the Dallas Cowboys when they won three Super Bowls in the 90’s. Randy Moss was probably the best deep threat in modern day, but lacked discipline in other departments. Calvin Johnson’s ability is unlike anything this world has seen. It is as if he was artificially modified to play football, hence the nickname, Megatron.

Let me attempt to break down his game. Calvin is 28 years old, 6’5, and nearly 240 lbs. Johnson has every positive attribute that a wide receiver can possibly ask for, advanced speed; he recorded a 4.33 40-yard dash before entering the NFL. Superior jumping ability, with a vertical of over 43 inches which he uses to snatch jump balls from unreasonable heights. Great hands, Johnson rarely drops a pass that comes his way Consistency, even through dark times have befallen the Lions, has been a major part of Johnson’s repertoire. Apart from his rookie season in 2007, and one season in which he had 984 yards, Johnson has yet to accumulate under 1000 receiving yards in a season. The man also repeatedly catches touchdowns of course. Johnson currently has 68 touchdowns and counting, more than any other receiver in the span since he entered the league. Of course, he has accumulated many accolades to go along with his monstrous NFL record.

All right you get it, the guy can play. However, he is not yet the best receiver to ever play, that title arguably belongs to Jerry Rice, whose records, durability and Superbowls say it all. With that being said, Johnson will continue to perform in a way that seems inhuman. Yes, he doesn’t have the Super Bowls, but has time. Calvin has everything that made Jerry Rice physically great as well as more things the best receiving coach out there cant teach. If Megatron’s freakish fame hold up, he will continue to produce Hall of Fame numbers for many years to come. Come Sunday, sit back and get ready to watch fireworks.

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