Calvin Johnson, widely known as “Megatron,” is a retired American football wide receiver with an estimated net worth of $45 million. Renowned for his incredible size, speed, and hands, Johnson left an indelible mark on the NFL, spending his entire professional career with the Detroit Lions. At the peak of his playing days, Johnson was among the highest-paid players, earning an annual salary of $22.6 million. By the time he hung up his cleats, he had accumulated over $115 million in salary alone, though he voluntarily forfeited $1 million when he retired, allowing the Lions to recoup it. Let’s explore his journey from high school to business ventures post-retirement.
Calvin Johnson Net Worth | $45 Million |
Date of Birth | Sep 29, 1985 |
Place of Birth | Newnan |
Nationality | American |
Profession | American Football Player |
Early Life
Calvin Johnson’s football career began at Sandy Creek High School in Georgia, where he displayed exceptional talent as a wide receiver. His outstanding performance earned him All-American honors and set the stage for his collegiate career. Johnson then played for Georgia Tech, becoming a standout athlete in college football. During his three seasons with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, he received numerous awards, including being named a first-team All-American twice. In 2006, he won the Biletnikoff Award, which recognized him as the best wide receiver in the country.
NFL Career
In the 2007 NFL Draft, Calvin Johnson was the second overall pick by the Detroit Lions. From the outset, he showcased his skills, recording 48 receptions for 756 yards and four touchdowns in his rookie season. With his speed, athleticism, and hands, he quickly became a pivotal player for the Lions’ offense. Johnson’s breakthrough came in 2008 when he led the NFL in receiving touchdowns with 12, marking the beginning of his reign as one of the league’s most dominant wide receivers.
Earning Pro Bowl Honors
Over the course of his nine-year career, Calvin Johnson earned six Pro Bowl selections (2010-2015) and led the NFL in receiving yards twice (2011 and 2012). His most notable achievement came in 2012 when he broke Jerry Rice’s single-season receiving yardage record, amassing an astonishing 1,964 yards. This cemented his place in football history as one of the most talented wide receivers to ever play the game.
Retirement and Hall of Fame Induction
In March 2016, after just nine seasons in the NFL, Johnson shocked fans and analysts alike by announcing his retirement. Despite his relatively short career, his influence on the field was immense, leading to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021, on his first year of eligibility. This prestigious honor was a testament to his remarkable contributions to the sport and his undeniable talent.
Calvin Johnson’s Salary
Johnson’s financial success matched his prowess on the field. His NFL career was filled with lucrative contracts, the most notable being:
- In 2007, Johnson signed a six-year rookie contract worth $64 million, with $27.2 million guaranteed.
- In 2012, he signed a seven-year contract extension valued at $132 million, with $60 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL at the time.
His annual salary over the years was as follows:
- 2007: $8.8 million
- 2008: $2.5 million
- 2009: $4.4 million
- 2010: $6.4 million
- 2011: $8.9 million
- 2012: $18.5 million
- 2013: $25 million
- 2014: $20 million
- 2015: $20.6 million
By the end of his career, Johnson had earned an estimated $116.1 million in total salary.
Life After Football
Since leaving the NFL, Calvin Johnson has turned his attention to business and philanthropy. One of his most notable ventures is Primitive, a cannabis company he co-founded in 2018. Primitive focuses on creating high-quality medical marijuana products and educating the public on the benefits of cannabis, particularly for athletes dealing with chronic pain.
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In addition to his business endeavors, Johnson remains actively involved in charitable work through the Calvin Johnson Jr. Foundation, which provides scholarships and resources to underprivileged youth.
Calvin Johnson Net Worth
Calvin Johnson net worth is $45 million.
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