Notes: Calvin Johnson ‘always wants to be there’ for Detroit Lions players

On Thursday, Detroit Lions alumni Calvin Johnson and Rob Sims are set to release their product line of cannabis called Primitiv. Both Sims and Johnson have been working in the cannabis industry for the past three years, all in preparation for this week’s launch.

Both Johnson and Sims spoke with The Athletic’s Chris Burke in a lengthy Q&A mostly about their new business venture. If you’re interested in the culmination of three years of studies and hard work, I would definitely check it out.

But the conversation did touch a little on football, as well. Specifically, Johnson addressed his blossoming relationship with the Lions. Earlier in the offseason, the soon-to-be Hall of Famer said that his relationship with the Lions was finally headed in the right direction after a recouping of his signing bonus had left relationships sour post-retirement.

Johnson has never left Detroit, admitting to Burke that he expected to return to Georgia, but has family roots in the Motor City now. And because of that, he loves the city and he’s still very much willing to give back to the Lions, and specifically their players.

“I always want to be there for the players,” Johnson said. “It ain’t just got to be receivers, I love talking to the guys. We’ve got a lot of experience, Rob and myself. Anything I’ve got, they can have. (Laughs) Not everything. I’m just saying, any of the tidbits I’ve got, they can have them — anything for the game, anything I’ve learned over life, I love to share it.”

Johnson also said he’s met both head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes when he got his COVID-19 vaccine at the Ford Field clinic.

Hopefully the drama between Johnson and the Lions is a thing of the past.

• Justin Rogers of the Detroit News has a solid profile of new Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, filled with GIFs to demonstrate his points. You’ll have to have a subscription to the Detroit News, however.

• The NFL and NFLPA approved of guidelines for players who are vaccinated and those who choose not to get vaccinated:

• The NFL also adopted a rule change that expands the definition of an illegal low block. NFL.com’s Nick Shook has details here.

• Legendary NFL kicker Adam Vinatieri announced on Wednesday that he is retiring after 25 seasons in the league. What does that have to do with the Lions? I’ll let MLive’s Kyle Meinke explain:

• Speaking of Meinke, he has a nice article on secondary coach Aubrey Pleasant and his journey back home to Michigan.

• Believe it or not, a Lion made PFF’s list of top 32 linebackers for the 2021 season.