Calvin Johnson Jr. is a former professional wide receiver. He played college football at Georgia Tech, where he was a two-time All-American, and was honored as the ACC Player of the Year his junior year.

Johnson played in the NFL for nine seasons with the Detroit Lions. He was selected by the Lions second overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. Johnson is regarded as one of the greatest wide receivers of all time. Johnson was noted for having a rare combination of size, catching ability, speed, strength, leaping ability, and body control. He appeared in six consecutive Pro Bowls and was named a first-team All-Pro for three consecutive seasons. During the 2012 season, he set the single-season record for receiving yards at 1,964 yards. As of 2021, Johnson also holds the NFL records for 100-yard games in a season (11, tied with Michael Irvin), consecutive 100-yard games (8, tied with Adam Thielen), and consecutive games with 10 or more receptions  While still in his prime, Johnson retired after the 2015 season, citing a loss of passion for the game due to health concerns and the Lions' lack of team success.

Johnson is a christian, and was part of a weekly Bible study group with other Lions players. He was inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2018 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021.