Fans Plea with Sheila Ford Hamp: Pay Calvin Johnson

In a season that was filled with plenty of low moments for the Detroit Lions, the annual NFL Honors awards show was among the bright spots for fans of the team.

Calvin Johnson, Detroit's star wideout, was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and will be enshrined in Canton as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

"On behalf of the entire Detroit Lions organization, I'd like to congratulate Calvin Johnson on being named a first-ballot inductee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Calvin is one of the best to ever wear a Lions uniform, as he becomes the 22nd player who played for the Lions to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. This is the highest individual honor in football, and it brings me great joy to know that Calvin's legacy will forever be enshrined in Canton," principal owner Sheila Ford Hamp said in a statement.

Fans immediately took the opportunity to remind Detroit's new owner that paying back the money the organization recouped when Johnson retired would go a long way toward repairing the organization's fractured relationship with Johnson.

"Pay the man, please."

"And .... this is the part where you tell us you repaired this relationship. How you even threw in extra money for the mishap, right?"

"Make it right. Now. Like tonight. Give him his money and whatever else he wants."

"Cut the check."

Just a sample of the hundreds who took to social media to implore the organization to rectify a significant error that has negatively impacted the reputation of the organization.

In a video conference Sunday morning, Johnson explained that he has had positive talks with the organization and feels the two sides are closer to mending their relationship.

“I know myself and Sheila Ford Hamp have had great conversations,” Johnson said. “I think we’re moving in the right direction.”

Here are more of the reactions online to the statement released by Hamp.

Pay him
— Jim Walker (@JWalk1400) February 7, 2021

pic.twitter.com/32nORQGJF6
— Uncle Max🤙 (@UncleMax313) February 7, 2021

Ok that's great and all, but Sheila needs to make things right with the man and give him his 💰
— Jeremy (@JeremyTLockhart) February 7, 2021

Pay the man please!!!!!!!
— Steve Florian (@steveflo24) February 7, 2021

#PayMegatron we all know he deserves it.
— VILLYNN 💙🦁 (@GingerLioness69) February 7, 2021

More from SI All Lions:

Calvin Johnson Elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame

Is Penei Sewell an Option for Lions at No. 7 Overall?

One Surprise Cut Detroit Lions Could Make

Moore: It Was 'Petty' Lions Took Money from Calvin Johnson

Should LB Lavonte Davis Be Free-Agent Target for Lions?

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