Former Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NFL history, a legacy cemented by his first-ballot induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Although Johnson’s retirement initially strained his relationship with the Lions, the two sides have since reconciled. Now, the legendary receiver has made a surprising admission that has sparked widespread discussion among fans.
Calvin Johnson Admits He Occasionally Used Marijuana Before NFL Games
During a recent appearance on the podcast hosted by current Lions star Amon-Ra St. Brown, Calvin Johnson revealed that he occasionally smoked marijuana before games to help manage the intense physical pain that came with playing at an elite level in the NFL.
“There were times I was on the way to the stadium thinking, ‘Man, I don’t know how I’m going to make it today,’” Johnson said. “I probably did it a handful of times throughout my career.”
Johnson explained that the decision was about pain management, not performance enhancement, and added that it didn’t negatively affect his play.
“More times than not, I had a good game,” Johnson said. “I never had a bad game.”
While he didn’t specify which games were involved, Johnson made it clear he felt the approach helped him get through the physical demands of game day.
Today, Johnson is the founder of Primitiv, a cannabis research and wellness company, continuing his advocacy around alternative pain management options for athletes.
Calvin Johnson Remains the Greatest Wide Receiver in Detroit Lions History
During his legendary career with the Lions, Calvin Johnson set numerous franchise and NFL records, including:
NFL record for most receiving yards in a single season (1,964)
Most consecutive 100-yard receiving games (six)
Multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections
Johnson retired at just 30 years old, but his exit wasn’t without controversy. The Lions asked him to repay $1.6 million of his signing bonus, leading to years of tension between both sides.
That relationship has since been repaired. Johnson has frequently been seen at Ford Field, publicly supporting the franchise. In 2023, Lions president Rod Wood credited COO Mike Disner for helping rebuild the relationship.
“It’s been a pleasure getting to know Calvin throughout the process,” Disner said. “He’s one of the best receivers in NFL history and deeply cares about Detroit, football, and the community.”
Lions Honor Calvin Johnson’s Legacy
Calvin Johnson has since been:
Named to the Detroit Lions All-Time Team
Inducted into the Lions Ring of Honor
Welcomed back as a celebrated figure within the organization
Despite past disagreements, Johnson’s legacy in Detroit remains untouchable, and his recent admission offers a deeper look into the physical toll endured by elite NFL players.
