Apr 17, 2026, 1:35 PM CUT

40-Year-Old Lions Legend Offered New Responsibility At 2026 NFL Draft

27 December 2015: Detroit Lions Wide Receiver Calvin Johnson (81) 9383 in action during a game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, MI. (Photo By Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire) NFL American Football Herren USA DEC 27 49ers at Lions PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxONLY Icon164122715125049 27 December 2015 Detroit Lions Wide Receiver Calvin Johnson 81 9383 in Action during A Game between The San Francisco 49ers and The Detroit Lions AT Ford Field in Detroit Wed Photo by Robin Alam Icon Sports Wire NFL American Football men USA DEC 27 49ers AT Lions PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxONLY

For the 2026 NFL Draft, the “Megatron” is stepping back onto the gridiron, but this time, not with cleats but with a mic.

As reported by Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News, a league announcement on Thursday stated that the 40-year-old Lions legend Calvin Johnson will be on hand at the 2026 NFL Draft to announce picks live and in person.

Alongside him, the other legends like Pat McAfee (Indianapolis Colts), Tony Dorsett (Dallas Cowboys), Curtis Martin (New York Jets), and Shawne Merriman (Los Angeles Chargers) are the other designated announcers.

Continuing with the annual custom, the first-round picks would be announced by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, followed by current and former players for the other rounds.

According to a league announcement, Calvin Johnson will be announcing for rounds 2 and 3.

DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 23: Former Detroit Lions player and Hall of Fame member Calvin Johnson signs autographs prior to the Detroit Lions versus the New York Giants game on Sunday November 23, 2025 at Ford Field in Detroit, MI. Photo by Steven King/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA NOV 23 Giants at Lions EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2582025112300492

Since the Detroit Lions currently do not have a round 3 pick, he will be announcing their 50th overall pick in round 2.

Johnson was drafted by the Detroit Lions through the 2007 NFL Draft as the second overall pick from Georgia Tech.

He was known for his massive body frame of 6 ft 5 in, speed, and unmatched leaping ability.

To honour his legacy, Johnson’s name was inducted into the Pride of the Lions during the week 4 2024 match against the Seattle Seahawks.

Even after his great run with the Lions, his departure was not the same.

Calvin Johnson's Bonus Dispute With the Lions

It was not the first time that Detroit’s front office was asking a legend to pay back a portion of his signing bonus.

In 1999, Hall of Fame Barry Sanders was asked to return $1.83 million, one-sixth of his signing bonus, as he was retiring early.

Calvin Johnson, yet another Lions legend, was also asked for the payback in 2016.

According to ESPN, Johnson repaid around $1 million of his signing bonus to the Detroit Lions. As per the records of the NFLPA, the Lions could have asked for around $3.2 million from Johnson.

However, the Lions clarified through a release that the issues were settled "to the satisfaction of both parties." But Johnson said otherwise.

"I just wish that it ended a little bit differently. That's all you're getting because that's going to be too big a headline," Johnson told ESPN back in 2016.

But now, the Lions fandom gets to see Megatron back on the big stage, this time calling out Detroit's picks.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore