NFL legend Calvin Johnson waited nearly 3 years to respond to Lions post after division clincher

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Calvin Johnson is widely considered the greatest wide receiver in Detroit Lions history. 

Despite Johnson's standout individual performances over the course of his nine-year career in Detroit, the team did not experience much success during his tenure. Johnson was a member of the 2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. The Lions shared a congratulatory post on social media in January 2021, praising Johnson after he was named a Hall of Fame finalist.

Shortly after the Lions defeated the Vikings on Christmas Eve to clinch a division title for the first time since 1993, Johnson took to X to like, share and reply to the nearly 3-year-old post.

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Former Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets wide receiver Calvin Johnson on the field against the Syracuse Orange prior to the second half at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field in Atlanta Nov. 18, 2023. (Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports)

"Much appreciated. Thanks for the continuous support! Love my city!" Johnson wrote on Sunday afternoon. Johnson abruptly stepped away from football following the 2015 season. 

Johnson finished his standout career with 11,619 receiving yards. The former Georgia Tech football star surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in six of his nine seasons.

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He was just 30 years old when he decided to leave the NFL. Johnson's relationship with the franchise has been somewhat strained since his unexpected retirement. The team reportedly asked Johnson to repay approximately $1.6 million of his signing bonus following his retirement.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson makes a