NFL HOF Recalls Brutal Middle-School Hit That Nearly Ended Career

Calvin Johnson Jr., a former Detroit Lions wide receiver and Hall of Famer, recently reflected on a middle-school incident that nearly derailed his football career. Johnson, who amassed 11,619 receiving yards and 84 touchdowns in his nine-season NFL career, recalled a 45-degree tackling drill during which he was hit by a 200-plus pound defensive lineman, Brandon Murphy, on October 4, 2015.

At 150 pounds, Johnson, then a running back, was nearly knocked out of the sport by the powerful hit. Despite the traumatic experience, Johnson's mother encouraged him to stick with football, and he eventually grew into a 6-foot-5 receiver, ultimately becoming Georgia Tech's career leader in receiving yards and touchdowns. Johnson's remarkable journey culminated in his selection to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, where he is recognized for his impressive statistics and numerous accolades.