Notes: Calvin Johnson updates relationship with Lions, offers thoughts on new regime

Calvin Johnson, alongside former Detroit Lions teammate Rob Sims, launched his new cannabis product called “Primitiv” last week. With it Johnson did the press rounds to promote the product. If you’re interested in the product, you can read more on it here. But since we’re in the football business here, let’s talk about some of the football stuff he said last week.

Johnson had a long one-on-one interview with ESPN’s new Lions beat reporter Eric Woodyard and tackled a lot of topics, ranging from his love of snowboarding to his selection for the person who will introduce him at the Hall of Fame ceremony.

But perhaps most notable for the Lions was the update on his relationship with the franchise. It appears the Lions are inching closer towards a resolution following the financial dispute that came after his retirement.

“As of this year, really, I’ve had a couple conversations with (team owner) Sheila (Ford Hamp). I got to know her a little bit,” Johnson said. “Just really friendly. Getting to know the family. She sent my wife some flowers after we had the baby and stuff like that. So it’s been very friendly.”

Woodyard notes, however, in an article from the interview that no conversation has been had between the two sides about paying Johnson back any part of the signing bonus that was reclaimed by the Lions after his retirement.

That being said, it does appear Johnson is excited and intrigued about the Lions’ new regime. He’s met both general manager Brad Holmes, and he recalled the brief moment in which he played alongside new head coach Dan Campbell.

“He was playing on one arm,” Johnson said. “He was still out there starting, playing against beasts out there, but still sustaining. So mad respect to him, and I know the guys are going to respect him.”

You can check out the full interview below.

• Speaking of Calvin Johnson, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press has a behind-the-scenes look at how his Hall of Fame bust is being created (subscribers only).

• Free Lions ticket? Free Lions tickets:

• Interesting article here from Jeff Risdon of Lions Wire. He notes that history tells us Penei Sewell’s move to right tackle is the right move for the Lions.

• The Lions haven’t made a move on Todd Gurley since hosting him for a visit last week, but it appears Gurley enjoyed his time in Detroit:

• The folks at DetroitLions.com made their picks for the Lions’ 2021 breakout player.

• The Lions didn’t have an OTA practice on Tuesday, but they did have a workout session on field. The official Lions site has photos from those workouts.