Calvin Johnson thanks Detroit Lions fans in Pro Football Hall of Fame speech: 'You loved me and my family'

Calvin Johnson used his induction speech for the Pro Football Hall of Fame to tout the benefits of plant-based medicine and thanked Detroit Lions fans for supporting him throughout his legendary career.

Johnson joined Jim Brown and Gale Sayers as the only players to be inducted into the Hall of Fame before turning 36. He spoke for 10½ minutes Sunday, his voice cracking with emotion at times, and mentioned his old team twice by name.

“Lions fans and city of Detroit, when we were 0-16 you never stopped showing up," Johnson said. "You were disappointed, but you never stopped showing up. Every week, you showed up. And this motivated me to do the same thing for you. You loved me and my family unconditionally over these 15 years. I want you to know Michigan is our home, Detroit is our city and Lions fans are our pride."

Johnson, who still makes his home in suburban Detroit, has been at odds with the Lions since his retirement following the 2015 season, when the team forced him to repay $1.6 million of his signing bonus for the unfulfilled years on his contract.

Johnson has rebuffed offers to rejoin the organization as a paid ambassador, but his rift with the franchise was evident Sunday only in the absence of words.

Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp, her husband Steve Hamp, former Lions general manager Martin Mayhew, ex-coach Jim Schwartz and many of Johnson's former teammates — including Matthew Stafford, Dominic Raiola and Rob Sims — were among those in attendance at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium for his speech.

At one point, Johnson asked all his former coaches and teammates to stand and be recognized.

"I just want you to know I valued every moment I spent with you, on the field, in the locker room and with our families," Johnson said. "These relationships and friendships will last a lifetime. And I want you to know they've helped carry me to this moment right here. I'm thankful — thankful for each and every one of you. Love you."

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