Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson shows his talent is not just limited to football - NFL News
Is there nothing that Detroit Lions wide receiver, Calvin Johnson does not excel at?
After an explosive, 2011-12 season where he put up more yardage than any receiver in the National Football League (NFL) and helped the Lions finally end their playoff drought the Lions receiver got himself voted in by fans to become the new face of popular
football video game franchise, Madden NFL.
Johnson has now followed it up by hitting a home run at the Detroit Tigers batting practice before their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Taking to the baseball diamond on Friday, Johnson arrived with the rest of the Lions receiving squad and lined up for batting practice.
Tigers coach, Gene Lamont pitched to Johnson during practice.
His powerful shot sailed over the left field wall leading to cheers from the Tigers players.
Johnson had played baseball in his high school year before football took precedence for him and Lions fans can be grateful for that change in his interests.
Speaking to the Detroit News he said.
"I told Delmon Young I would keep coming back until I hit one out, and I happened to hit one out today. I'm still coming back, though."
He also talked about his baseball days and said.
"I played all the way up to senior in high school but football kind of took over at that point."
This year Johnson’s wonderful season led to the Lions agreeing a record deal with the player who has now become the highest paid player in the league.
His legend amongst Lions fans continues to grow and fans are expecting another big season from the receiver in the upcoming season.
The Lions ended their playoff drought this season making it to the wildcard round for the first time since 1999.
Johnson covered 1,681 yards in 2011-12 from 96 receptions and scored 16 touchdowns as he combined brilliantly with quarterback, Matthew Stafford.
This year the Lions are targeting even bigger prizes than just reaching the playoffs and Johnson will play a huge role next year if the franchise hopes to achieve its lofty goals.
Lions’ fans should now feel lucky that the receiver chose to play football instead of following his talent in baseball.
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