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.
