Megatron on Hall of Fame career, losing seasons in Detroit, cannabis & retiring early | The Pivot

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NFL stars are constantly in the limelight, appearing in articles, on shows and receiving large followings on social media. But this Hall of Fame Wide Receiver became a household name with one of the most iconic nicknames in sports, yet he was relatively unknown off the field.
Ryan, Channing, and Fred sit down with Hall of Fame wide receiver Calvin “Megatron” Johnson to learn more about the man Ryan refers to as the “urban legend” of football. Calvin Johnson, better known as Megatron, and one of the most iconic Wide Receivers to ever play the game talks about his Hall of Fame career despite losing seasons and how he overcame the 0-16 year in Detroit, purpose and passion for promoting cannabis and healing while sharing stories of his family, opening up about some of his dangerous hobbies and reveals why he had to retire from the NFL before marriage.
Valuing consistency over talent and understanding that those who have both consistency and talent are the unique ones as Calvin explains his journey to the guys and shares the reason of why he retired before getting married. The man who was once the most feared receiver in the league has turned his football-based lifestyle into a way of life focused around his family and other endeavors. Calvin explains walking away from the game at an early age was a move he doesn't regret although it shocked the football world, he respects the game and describes how he continues to bring a level of excellence to every facet of his life based on his mental approach to the game. He may not be Megatron anymore, but fame was never Johnson’s focus anyways as it was always about camaraderie with the guys and consistency on the field.
New episodes drop on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. ET and Fridays at 3:30 p.m ET on KZbin, with audio available on all streaming platforms including Apple, Spotify and Amazon.
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[@hospitaladministrator3359]

Calvin Johnson gave me a scholarship to go to school through his foundation. His family and he were absolutely classy people. Some of the most awesome people I’ve ever met. Thank you again brother!!

[@hcromwell661]

What a great story. Congrats to you. Hopefully you're moving into a space in life where you can do something fantastic for someone else and continue to pass on the good will.

[@Jalexander14]

I’m the 100th like to your comment first off lol 😂 but second and most importantly that’s amazing to hear ! Congrats to you! And awesome you were able to meet one of the greatest receivers of all time 🙏🏽

[@hospitaladministrator3359]

@hcromwell661 not yet but definitely intend to . I mentor young professionals in the healthcare administration field

[@tombosley3048]

Calvin Johnson is the best receiver I've ever had the chance to watch. I have a vivid memory of waking up on a cold, snowy morning near Chicago, Illinois and watching the Lions on a snowy Sunday afternoon. Watching Calvin go up, grab that ball and come down get a facemask full of snow is something I'll never forget. One of my favorite moments ever. And it was just a normal play for Calvin. Legend.

[@offthecouchwithjordan8128]

It was against the eagles. I was there. I remember watching him shake his head and told my girl “I think this is it for him 😞”

[@krisk5585]

Greatest WR to ever play. Career shouldn't matter in a team game. Eye test? Nobody is or ever was as good. Just an absolute machine.

[@theonly_VT]

Great interview. I really enjoyed this one!

[@TheKeithevan]

Still the Goat, more soldiers of Christ please. Nice job boyz

[@AntiSimp_90]

We need Randy Moss & Terrell Owens now

[@therealjohnmace9488]

18:11 that look thou 😅😅😂😂😂

[@paulderouen8566]

Same town Country Super Star Allan Jackson is from.

[@supermannthoughts]

I'm waiting on that Ray Lewis interview

[@kevindavis4585]

Calvin johnson a legend As a kid watching matt stafford closing his eyes and tossing that ball to Megatron in quadruple coverage was crazy Love

[@leonidas1794]

😂

[@BEEFSERPENT]

duh

[@louisfambro1319]

🤣🤣🤣💯

[@thomasscales4129]

“He’s down there somewhere “

[@BigBrutus50]

On everything 😂🤣😂🤣

[@jashon1230]

Prior to his birth Calvin’s parents were my next door neighbors in College Park. His pop’s and I would engage in games of chess as he waited to be called for a railroad assignment. A great and respected family would be an understatement.

[@David-Jamahl.Ardison]

That’s what’s up.

[@hoseamattison438]

Bro we need Adrian Peterson

[@axiongreenenergy]

Facts

[@joshr2828]

Big facts

[@Fam1stCEO]

No

[@lajanyisrael613]

No 🧢

[@michaelwashington4408]

Don't think he's ready to talk about his personal life to include. Money problems and children just yet

[@sechabamashego9514]

We need to see Arian Foster

[@jamesybarra2513]

Facts !

[@KickAds_Advertisement]

And he need to bring his podcast back that and drink champs first podcast I started following consistently. Crazy to see how far podcasting has come

[@djkwasi9632]

Fasho

[@GenralMayhem]

Yes! Arian would be great😊

[@jamesherbst2429]

hell yeah! won me so many fantasy leagues lol

[@livennlearn]

When he started talking about the science behind the cannabis I just smiled. This is megatron and this is Calvin Johnson. Black excellence. He is one of the most elite football players ever and he didn’t even need the game, clearly. One of one

[@omars-qz6rn]

heavy on the black excellence

[@thedrace]

Megatron reps Detroit so well, still got the Tigers hat on. So wish this man got a ring.

[@Bdk2036]

He lives in Bloomfield Hills if im not mistaken.

[@brandondetroitfanmichaels4325]

​@@Bdk2036Like most Michigan stars and athletes! Bloomfield and West Bloomfield

[@matt-hu3kk]

They bouta go get him one

[@Maidez09]

Megatron is a dope nickname but Beastmode and Night Train are up there as well.

[@df6148]

What’s cool is both Megatron and Beastmode come from the Transformers lol. There was an old 3D show of the Transformers called *BEAST WARS* and Megatron was the primary villain. The T REX. Whenever the good transformer would switch into animal form they’d yell *BEAAAAAAAST MODE* 🦍 🤖

[@mudiabubakar8503]

Dr J as well.

[@valariebrunson6221]

I'm from Detroit. Megatron represented Detroit well. We Detroiters work with what we have.

[@VitoJones85]

We back!

[@C5000-p5q]

F Detroit

[@Milkybutta]

I'm happy that every story is not a struggle story.

[@FriendlyNeighborhoodGentile]

Right

[@jayball1749]

Megatron easily had the best prime of any WR ever. He's my #1 WR all-time but he has to be in everyone's top 5 for sure.

[@malichihill8203]

I got him as my goat too over moss and rice

[@AB-bw4bb]

Rice moss fitz megatron t.o

[@tigerstallion]

if youve got rice, moss, t.o., and Megatron downfield in single coverage, youre best bet it to throw to Calvin

[@alljerseysmatter.]

My Top 2 Moss Megatron are the best over everybody

[@357twilson]

Rice by a country mile. Not really close

[@Backpack16]

This conversation, was soo relaxing, and inspiring! His mom, sent him to his sister, in college, on the weekends, to tutor him. Wow!

[@scrub_farquad9921]

Growing up in the late 2000s- early 2010s as a bears fan this man was my favorite player next to Hester. Calvin vs Tillman was a movie

[@emgu1205]

Tillman was a shorter CB too! Two amazing players

[@MegaKhas]

@@emgu1205 He was 6'2, not short.

[@quinnjackson731]

The division was very entertaining back then The Bears had Hester, Peanut, and of course Urlacher The Vikings had Adrian Peterson The Lions had Megatron and Stafford The Packers had Aaron Rodgers Fun matchups for sure 💯

[@rhakeemstennett5017]

Calvin is hands down one of my favorite NFL players. His game preparation and attention to detail set the standard for all NFL players. His humility is a testament to the amazing human being he is. I truly wish he would have gotten the opportunity to play for a team that was a championship contender. Through all of the team disappointments he still managed to define what a true TEAM player is. Thanks to the Pivot team for another awesome conversation. ❤🙏🏾

[@septemberg4840]

Megatron...Thank you for sharing your "accepting Christ" experience. That was awesome. 😎

[@Random-l6z]

Megatron is cold as a nickname 😂

[@Palayon]

Channing in his element with the Atlanta connection! I’ll never forget seeing Calvin rock that #21 at GA Tech with the visors!! Constant highlights

[@scottsummers9969]

Megatron is a good nickname but the greatest nickname in sports is "Magic" ...hell I was surprised when I learned his name was Earvin

[@willdathrill713]

True...Magic is best! I didn't think of that..damm..magic is really good

[@Cousins08]

Facts. He's more known as Magic than Earvin

[@GregBry3]

Nah its Megatron for me.

[@DavidJames-d9o]

Channing's laughter is infectious and the Pivot deep dives into who that person is in facets other than sports. Their growth❤❤❤

[@The_GreatEscape91]

Megatron was awesome ASF dude was a monster on the field still my favorite receiver till this day!!

[@Det1911]

Detroit Adores this man

[@mikaelbeytm9095]

Facts. Represents the city well.

[@GMoney42021]

Calvin Johnson will always be a Detroit Legend because He stayed, he could of left but he stayed

[@1Y6M-989]

One of my favorite players ever. Dude was fucking incredible

[@georgeyeboah5295]

He damn sure was , son he was scary to Defend 😅😅😅

[@CaviarBets]

Ryan kills me! He’s like an ex pimp turned preacher struggling not to curse and indulge in the old life 😂! Freddie T real smooth like he still got a cartel 🔌

[@Eric-ed8ey]

Great nicknames: Black Jesus Black Mamba Air Jordan Megatron Sweetness Nigerian nightmare Iron Mike Skip to my Lou

[@OlSkoolin]

King James 👑

[@OlSkoolin]

Shaq diesel Wilt the stilt

[@1Steins]

Deion Sanders: Prime Time Dale Earnhardt: "The Intimidator" William "The Refrigerator" Perry Dick "Night Train" Lane Jerome Bettis: "The Bus" Julius "Dr. J" Erving "Broadway" Joe Namath George Herman "Babe" Ruth Earvin "Magic" Johnson

[@Txjumpman]

Lemon pepper Lou

[@willdathrill713]

Hakeem The Dream!

[@joshuawalters6293]

Calvin Johnson is amazing man. Love how he talked about waiting for marriage and family until after playing because he wanted to keep all buckets full. Love this pod, keep doing great things!

[@jjmoralez1137]

Megatron is forever etched as one of the goats of all time. Imagine him on a contender each season. He would’ve put up even crazier numbers. Salute to you Calvin! 🙏

[@Ty_Guy3]

Amon Ra is that next master of consistency just as Calvin said, Love my Lions,

[@RELL804VA]

Y'all gotta get Julio Jones on here

[@yeaitsace]

If you had Calvin …. Now you HAVE to bring Bam Bam Kam

[@pablomendoza5360]

Thank you for this one as a detroiter seeing Calvin for years gave Detroit hope this a good one for sure well needed

[@PaperFaceENT]

After all this time ppl still think Calvin Johnson played in the triple option offense at GA Tech🤦🏾‍♂️...

[@mekw6432]

Not that year they knew what they had in CJ

[@thabus57]

He played from 04-06 triple option didn’t come to gt till 09

[@willpsone]

While not the option, Chan Gailey's offense was very run heavy- we had the ACC's leading rusher three or four years in a row

[@zachcoggins9018]

Demaryius Thomas (RIP) did. But not Calvin.

[@willpsone]

@@tigerstallion Reggie was the only one of those QBs under Gailey, Hamilton and Godsey were O'Leary's QBs.

[@tommytylerjr7281]

Was so fun to watch him here in detroit, wish he couldve had a playoff run he def did everything he could to get wins. Class act and better person off the field too y hes still so loved here in the D

[@df6148]

Shawne Lights out Merriman. A Charger that gave us hope again on the defensive side. Had the best Sack Dance in NFL history.

[@todddevico223]

The light switch

[@leonjj39]

Detroit retired 2 HOF because of losing . We watched Megaton but didn't realise he was the best because we didn't think teams played hard against them . But w/ Matt at QB, it was an unstoppable combo . He looks like he can still play !

[@BEEFSERPENT]

so glad calvin and the lions FINALLY got back on the same page

[@user-10x]

lol who said GA don’t breed the best Athletes 🤦🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️

[@CaviarBets]

Channing always look like he just did something

[@llkla4507]

shady beastmode n primetime all up there imo but megatron legendary

[@rafaelventura6739]

Reggie Bush next he just got his Heisman trophy back would be a great interview.

[@venissafreeman686]

The last time I hit my sister my brother kicked me in my face😂 I felt that part of the conversation so deep 😅😂

[@hectorgatica6494]

Dose Calvin have a dispensary in the D??? If so can I get the name?? Would like to go there and support it.

[@Ericd3484]

Megatron let's get it

[@2807Joe]

We need Larry Fitzgerald and Prince Fielder

[@arresthillary9502]

CJ IS SO SMART AND REASONABLE AND CONFIDENT IN HIS OWN SKIN. his accomplishments are what you can achieve when overcoming insecurities and low self esteem seems like just a good decent person

[@roughouseRedwolf]

Love this one .We need Ray Lewis fellas!!!!

[@dtelly]

Most dominant receiver of all time imo… this dude was my childhood

[@357twilson]

Jerry Rice at the age of 40, had more catches (92) than Calvin Johnson had in 7 out of his 9 seasons. Jerry Rice at the age of 40, had more receiving yards (1,211) than Calvin Johnson had in 5 out of his 9 seasons. Case closed!

[@Megatron_James_Brady8121]

Jerry had Stickum and Joe Montana and Steve Young.... Calvin has the Lions

[@357twilson]

@@Megatron_James_Brady8121 excuses

[@Skinny_Pimp]

Why isn't the pivot at a million subscribers Yet?????? Come on!

[@jonny4ya]

I think Magic is the best nickname of Al time, it’s so great you dam near forget his name is Ervin.

[@FMD023]

For all the people that has never ski or snowboard before, the best way to learn is to start on the highest slope. Dont start off on the bunny slopes. At least for snowboarding anyways.

[@nathanlarry2072]

Go lions 😂😂😂

[@Shizi7]

I am an idiot. I was born and raised in Newnan Georgia, and I had no idea that Calvin was from Newnan. I graduated and moved away from Newnan about a year after he was born.

[@Kirbidocious]

Ryan Clark's hoodie tuff

[@freestyledreams]

Thank you!...it's from @freestyle.dreams

[@KINGYAH-SEER5777...]

WATCHING RASOOL& THE PINE HILL NJ, OVERBROOK RAMS GO_0-9... SHOWEDDD ME WHAT DEDICATION, DETERMINATION, HONOR& APPRECIATION IZ EARLY💯🔥✔️😉🤫😘🎰🧬💉🧬!!!

[@Bigbabyafool7109]

I know Jerry hold the record for stats and rings but if I'm starting a team the first WR I'm picking is Megatron. You put him in Jerry spot on the 49ers and they winning eight straight super bowls.

[@grizzle82]

My Megatron story is at a training camp in 2014. My son was in line for an autgraph session. He walked out w Slay & Mathis prior to practice, so was so geeked and happy w how cool they were. Well, behind us in line, was a kid w down syndrome. Calvin, Stafford, Bush, Dan O, etc, were going to a corporate tent to sign autographs and take pictures. Calvin actually walked over to the kid behind us w down syndrome and started signing stuff for this kid. He ghosted everyone else, but still, the character he has to do that. That was amazing. Megatron has a heart of gold.

[@jordanboyd3329]

Whenever he feels ready y’all should bring Vernon Davis on

[@apthagreat28]

Pat Willis, Jim brown, Mega tron and Barry sanders all walked away at the peak of their powers

[@PrinceTae]

Top 5 Greatest WR College & NFL of ALL TIME

[@antonemorris9644]

This is a pros pros. This is like talking to any HOFin any sport. That took himself and his craft seriously.

[@Flash_TM]

You can’t hear much of what Freddy T is saying because of his jacket making noise as he moves

[@jhatch3412]

Have to get Santana Moss on

[@SupermanHopkins]

Been a Bears fan as long as I can remember. That was a touchdown. "Process of the catch" -- whatever. 🙄

[@NatePodein]

The left eyebrow look like he goin up for a quadruple team🤣😭 All love though, you gave Detroit hope every time you took the field.

[@cmillz6017]

One of the greatest lions of all time! In alot of times of season after season of not much im glad i got to watch him play! He was honestly damn there unstoppable! One of the only receivers ive seen with 2 men on him from the line

[@AnthonyfromtheD]

Megatron made me Lions fan growing up.. idk if a good thing or bad thing lol

[@BlackJackH_eee]

Calvin Johnson is the greatest/most physically dominant receiver I’ve personally seen, especially for those 50/50 ball’s. There was NOTHING that a defense could do to stop him. He’s not mentioned as much because of his short career but I always encourage people, please go look at his film.

[@dekendricksherman5205]

I loved this one guys. Please if you can try to get Chris Carter

[@brianbush2245]

Megatron's sister went to Clark Atlanta and we was talking. Funny how she told me that her brother played football and he is good at GTech. Didn't even know that was him back then. Megatron your sister was 🔥🔥🔥🔥 back at Clark bro

[@toxin7883]

Megatron and Revis Island are my favorite nfl nicknames.

[@Redbird5280]

We need to see Darren McFadden

[@deljuanj80]

Megatron greatest nickname ever!!! Calvin Johnson was freaking unguardable!!!

[@jblaquestar2399]

Tron will forever be that Guy and it don't matter who your team is. This interview confirmed what I think everyone already knew when you spoke about him which is he's a good person and played the way he lived hard working and humble. LEGENDARY 🎤👊🏼✊🏼💯

[@JordanDurden-zq7th]

Ryan where’d you get the hoodie

[@freestyledreams]

Thank you! It's from @freestyle.dreams

[@ChrisMurda313]

Calvin got these boys high as hell its alot of glossy eyes up there 😂😂😂

[@brentolivache9281]

The greatest WR to ever play the game. As a kid growing up in Detroit. Going to training camps I never seen him lose a rep. It’s not a DB in NFL history that can cover him 1 on 1. He has the highest probability of making a catch of any player in history. God is fair because like Barry can you imagine him on a different team. Jesus Christ.

[@unclejj9600]

First time i met him he was with Godser i thought he played basket ball

[@Zae1992]

I won back to back in fantasy because of Megatron 😆 dude was different

[@Fr3dr0]

My favorite WR of all time. Thank you for this interview 🙏🏾💯

[@ELTON52074]

This is a great interview! I would love to see the GOAT RB Barry Sanders

[@mrjcoop17]

Bro how y’all still haven’t had Arian Foster Andre Johnson D.Hop is beyond me

[@ch0s3njmoney16]

You a big Texans fan lol

[@tonyj797]

Everyone they reach out to might not want to be interviewed 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@jonathanlovo5798]

Calm down texan....😂

[@BarLadyy]

Folks are busy even after their playing days are over. Who knows…maybe they’ve interviewed them already and just haven’t dropped it yet. I seem to recall a few episodes that were dropped but they were taped weeks or a month prior. Side note. I agree with everything you said. Lol! Enjoy your day.✊🏽👍🏾

[@jamarcusburrell6885]

Nbs htown stand up

[@vlventureworx1776]

Detroit we in Chicago, feel for you. Y'all shoulda got the ring last year. Here be DaBears!

[@VitoJones85]

Y'all don't stand a chance relax lol

[@sniktawwatkins3412]

Megatron was bigger than optimus prime. Pause

[@msuipftrainer]

Detroit actually has a Black ski club, and it was the first in the nation. LOL

[@brigittemaxey4197]

Yup, Jim Dandy!

[@dwightaustin1495]

Mannn gonna rewatch some Megatron highlights oui....GREATNESS

[@Jeremy-c2p]

Magic city off the chain now….. “so I’ve heard” LOL 🤣🤣🤣

[@morrismanley2236]

You guys are the best interviewers in getting your guest to their story. Great job guys!👍

[@rileymays2559]

My favorite receiver ever hands down no comparison and ge still had 5 good yrs left in the tank

[@bashawnofficial6806]

Sad he played for a horrible team because Megatron would of been top 5 DOA

[@xavierjamison4803]

He still is what wide out are better than him

[@MtrCty1]

Fred the Nigerian Nightmare is the only one better.

[@dillonrobertson2138]

As a bears fan. Megatron is the best receiver ive ever seen. So many beaten double coverages

[@ben1productions]

The up and down with Fred's audio was the only knock on this one.. GREAT EPISODE!! Even though as a Chicagoan I couldn't stand Megatron!!!

[@MrOlds8488]

Need Josh Gordon