Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsSaturday, June 20, 2026

Calvin Johnson admits playing with broken fingers in 2012

Calvin Johnson admitted Monday that his receiving-yardage record was set last season while playing with broken fingers.

Calvin Johnson admitted Monday that he played the 2012 season with broken fingers, according to Chris McCosky of the Detroit News. Similar rumors surfaced in February, after the wide receiver set an NFL record with 1,964 yards receiving last season.

Johnson has not, nor will he undergo surgery on his hand. Instead he's working on straightening out his finger on his own while preparing for the Detroit Lions' upcoming season. It's hard to project any long-term concerns about his playing ability considering how he well he handled himself last year. Johnson should technically be even better in 2013, which is a scary thought for opponents.

Johnson’s biggest potential for improvement is in the end zone. He is hoping the Lions can make more trips to the red zone so that he can improve on his relatively paltry five touchdown receptions from a year ago. Johnson signed an eight-year contract worth $132 million last march, putting him in a Lions uniform through 2019 provided the contract is fulfilled.

More from SB Nation:

Chargers sign Dwight Freeney

Schiano: Mike Glennon competing with Josh Freeman

Geno Smith: ‘I play smart. I play above my neck’

Charles Woodson to visit Raiders

Titus Young’s mugshot is Hall of Fame-worthy | #Lookit

The rise of “Generation Jaguar”

See More:

More in NFL

NFL
WNFC championship game airing Sunday, June 21st from Ford Center in FriscoWNFC championship game airing Sunday, June 21st from Ford Center in Frisco
NFL

The Women’s National Football Conference Championship will air on ESPN2 this weekend.

By RJ Ochoa
From SBNationExternal Link
Which fictional quarterback would you have lead your team?Which fictional quarterback would you have lead your team?
From SBNationExternal Link
By James Dator
NFL
Best bets for 2026 NFL Offensive Rookie of the YearBest bets for 2026 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
NFL

There are some good longer-shot options on offensive side of ball for the NFL’s Rookie of the Year.

By Bill Williamson
NFL
Brendan Sorsby is a rare chance to get a top QB cheap, and these teams should go inBrendan Sorsby is a rare chance to get a top QB cheap, and these teams should go in
NFL

This is a no-brainer for some NFL teams.

By James Dator
NFL
Fernando Mendoza has great respect for the Raiders that came before himFernando Mendoza has great respect for the Raiders that came before him
NFL

Fernando Mendoza has great respect for the Raiders that came before him

By RJ Ochoa
NFL
Brendan Sorsby intends to enter NFL Supplemental Draft, per reportsBrendan Sorsby intends to enter NFL Supplemental Draft, per reports
NFL

Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby is entering the NFL Supplemental Draft, per reports

By Mark Schofield