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ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Although no current Detroit Lions players were on site for any offseason workout programs, the practice facility was open for one of the greatest players in franchise history on Sunday.
Hall of Fame receiver Calvin Johnson returned to host a high school football camp, welcoming all positions, in partnership with the Lions.
Johnson’s connection with the Lions has been trending up lately as the franchise tries to repair its relationship with him. He was spotted on the sidelines during an OTA session in late May in addition to returning for the last day of mandatory minicamp Thursday.
He said, “it feels good to be around the guys,” but doesn’t have a designated role with the team.
He credits Lions chief operating officer Mike Disner for helping mend the relationship, although he says there’s still work to be done.
“I always say Mike Disner’s been a huge part of bringing this thing back together with the team,” Johnson said. “So I’m appreciative of them, appreciative of the whole organization allowing me to have it here and collabing with me in doing that because it’s a heck of an experience for these kids.”
Johnson’s relationship soured in Detroit after being forced to pay back a little more than $1 million to the Lions upon his retirement after the 2015 season. However, he has been around the team facility more than usual this offseason, even joining Lions great Barry Sanders in welcoming Detroit rookies Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell once they arrived in Michigan with their families.
“I don’t know, I just want to be here for the team, and for the players,” Johnson said during Sunday’s camp. “I’ve got a lot of experience, on and off the field, so I’d love to share it.”
Fellow Hall of Famer Warren Sapp was among the many former pros to assist at Johnson’s camp Sunday. Sapp called it “a beautiful thing whenever an organization brings back one of their signature players.”
“Barry didn’t end…
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