Latest news with #CalvinJohnson
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rams QB Matthew Stafford named to 'Bag' Hall of Fame
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford may have to wait to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but he is already on a media-made version for a particular reason. ESPN's Bill Barnwell created the "Bag" Hall of Fame to "reward the players who did the best job of maximizing their leverage and getting paid for their ability." Barnwell clarified that this isn't a list of overpaid players, either. Advertisement Stafford was one of eight players bestowed this honor, and his "calling card" is as "the last of the great previous-CBA quarterbacks." Barnwell explained that Stafford was among the highest-paid rookie quarterbacks before the 2011 CBA instituted the rookie wage scale for picks, which significantly reduced contracts for top prospects. Taken with the first overall pick in 2009, Stafford's rookie deal was particularly eye-opening. When he agreed to terms on a six-year, $72 million deal with the Lions, the $41.7 million in guarantees was the largest figure for any player in league history, topping the $41 million defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth had been guaranteed by Washington earlier that offseason. You can understand why NFL owners didn't love the idea of guaranteeing an inexperienced unknown quantity like Stafford more than the experienced, proven veteran Haynesworth. Barnwell went on to note how the Lions restructured Stafford's deal several times as they had to constantly pay their top-drafted rookies (like Calvin Johnson and Ndamukong Suh) exorbitant pre-2011 deals. Stafford signed four extensions through his career, from "a relatively player-friendly extension (three years, $53 million deal)" in 2013 to a five-year, $135 million contract in 2017 that made him the then-highest-paid player in league history to a four-year, $160 million extension in 2022 following a trade to the Rams that ended in a Super Bowl that same year. However, Barnwell wrote that the 2025 offseason is "what got Stafford over the hump as a Bag Hall of Famer." Before the 2024 season, the Rams moved most of his guarantees forward by one year. Having already earned more than $364 million in his career and $27 million in (mostly) unguaranteed money coming in the 2025 season, he decided the Rams needed to pay up for him return at age 37. ... Forget trying to play for a winner to eke out one more ring: He threatened leaving for one of the worst teams in the league, while downgrading his offensive coordinator and offensive line, if the Rams weren't willing to give him a raise. That is Hall of Fame dedication to the bottom line. In the end, the Rams and Stafford found common ground. While Stafford didn't get a multiyear guarantee, he stuck around in Los Angeles for $40 million in 2025. Would he have really gone to play for the Giants? Some people would call that a bluff. Bag Hall of Famers would call that smart negotiating. Call it what you want, but Stafford and the Rams both got what they wanted in the end. The Rams have their franchise quarterback for at least one to two more seasons, while Stafford got his pay raise. We'll see if it works out for either side. Advertisement This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams QB Matthew Stafford named to 'Bag' Hall of Fame
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lions legend Calvin Johnson listed in ESPN's All Quarter Century Team
ESPN released its All Quarter Century Team for 2000-2025 on Wednesday, including just one name from Detroit Lions history. Hall of Fame wide receiver Calvin Johnson is the second receiver listed in ESPN's 53-man roster for the 21st century, behind Randy Moss and ahead of Julio Jones, Terrell Owens, Marvin Harrison, and Justin Jefferson. ESPN analysts Andrew Schatz and Seth Walder put the list together, acknowledging Johnson's short but dominant run in the NFL. Advertisement "Johnson leaped over defenders en route to two 1,600-plus-yard seasons and the all-time single-season receiving yards record (1,964) in 2012," Walder said. "He ranks fourth since 2000 in yards per game behind only three current players with far fewer games played (Justin Jefferson, Puka Nacua and Ja'Marr Chase)." Walder also pointed out Megatron's individual success despite the talent around him, particularly before the arrival of Matthew Stafford. "During Detroit's infamous 0-16 season in 2008, Johnson managed 1,331 yards with Dan Orlovsky, Daunte Culpepper and Jon Kitna at quarterback." No other Lions made this particular list by ESPN, though it's not entirely surprising given how the first 20 years of this century went. This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Lions legend Calvin Johnson listed in ESPN's All Quarter Century Team
USA Today
20-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Lions legend Calvin Johnson listed in ESPN's All Quarter Century Team
Lions legend Calvin Johnson listed in ESPN's All Quarter Century Team ESPN released its All Quarter Century Team for 2000-2025 on Wednesday, including just one name from Detroit Lions history. Hall of Fame wide receiver Calvin Johnson is the second receiver listed in ESPN's 53-man roster for the 21st century, behind Randy Moss and ahead of Julio Jones, Terrell Owens, Marvin Harrison, and Justin Jefferson. ESPN analysts Andrew Schatz and Seth Walder put the list together, acknowledging Johnson's short but dominant run in the NFL. "Johnson leaped over defenders en route to two 1,600-plus-yard seasons and the all-time single-season receiving yards record (1,964) in 2012," Walder said. "He ranks fourth since 2000 in yards per game behind only three current players with far fewer games played (Justin Jefferson, Puka Nacua and Ja'Marr Chase)." Walder also pointed out Megatron's individual success despite the talent around him, particularly before the arrival of Matthew Stafford. "During Detroit's infamous 0-16 season in 2008, Johnson managed 1,331 yards with Dan Orlovsky, Daunte Culpepper and Jon Kitna at quarterback." No other Lions made this particular list by ESPN, though it's not entirely surprising given how the first 20 years of this century went.
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cam Skattebo slammed by Cam Newton for not recognizing NFL legends: 'Not fans of the game'
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo recently couldn't identify several NFL legends on a podcast, including Calvin Johnson and Brett Favre, in a clip that elicited a lot of laughs. But one former NFL player is now using it for criticism of the rookie running back out of Arizona State and other young players, saying "they not fans of the game." Advertisement The player, Cam Newton, shared his thoughts on his recent podcast, "4th & 1." "They not fans of the game," Newton, a former NFL MVP, said. "These kids — they playing video games all day. Have you ever heard of Chad Ochocinco? Have you heard of Terrell Owens? Have you heard of Steve Smith? Have you heard of Prime Time? "They're looking at everything on YouTube. And granted, to Cam Skattebo's defense, a lot of what he sees has been on probably YouTube. And he plays a sport that's a mass sport." Cam Skattebo jersey number: New York Giants rookie running back reveals reason for No. 44 Cam Skattebo doesn't recognize NFL legends on podcast Skattebo's comments were made on the "St. Brown Podcast" last month, but Newton evidently just got wind of them. Advertisement While he couldn't identify Johnson, Favre, Golden Tate, Marques Colston, Kam Chancellor or Darren Sproles, you can at least give Skattebo credit for identifying current Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield. 'We hit the jackpot': Cam Skattebo turns heads at New York Giants rookie minicamp Cam Newton calls out players for not studying history of game Still, Newton was not impressed, calling for Skattebo and others to dedicate time to familiarizing themselves with the sport they are going to play on the podcast. "You g͏otta͏ dedicate 30 minutes or an hour to studying the sport that you want to play," Newton said. Advertisement He added: "There's so much that kids don't understand." Cam Skattebo odds: Is New York Giants running back NFL rookie of the year contender? Reach Jeremy Cluff at Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff. Support local journalism: Subscribe to today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Giants' Cam Skattebo slammed by Cam Newton over Calvin Johnson clip
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hall of Fame Receiver Demands Commanders Pay Terry McLaurin
Hall of Fame Receiver Demands Commanders Pay Terry McLaurin originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin may not be a Hall-of-Fame player on the level of Calvin Johnson, but that doesn't mean he isn't elite in his own right. Advertisement The All-Pro receiver is coming off a career year in which he recorded 13 touchdowns while helping to lead Washington to its first conference title appearance in 30 years. Now, McLaurin wants a new deal. The former Ohio State product is entering the final year of his contract with the team and is looking to be paid among the elite receivers in the sport. Johnson, a former Detroit Lions all-time great, fully supports this. In a recent appearance on Up & Adams, Johnson praised McLaurin and believes the receiver is worthy of a long-term extension. "I don't know Terry very well, but from afar, man, the guy has been nothing but consistent for that organization," Johnson said. "He's been a staple there in Washington his whole career. And you know, he plays his role, plays it well. He steps up in big games. And I love watching the kid because he's always making plays." Advertisement Johnson and McLaurin share many things in common. Both struggled to find stability in their starting quarterbacks until an SEC signal-caller was brought into the organization. Both were great before, during, and after those SEC quarterbacks were brought in. Johnson is considered one of the greatest modern receivers in NFL history. McLaurin isn't at that stage yet but is regarded as one of the more consistent players in the league today. McLaurin will eventually get the deal he's been coveting for years now. And it'll only make a Hall-of-Famer like Johnson happy at this point. Related: Commanders Coaches Deliver Clear Message About Offseason Break Related: Commanders Sophomore Corner Labeled Prime Breakout Candidate This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
