This week in South Atlanta history.
Calvin Johnson Jr. born September 29, 1985, in Tyrone
Calvin Johnson Jr., born September 29, 1985, in Tyrone, Georgia, is known for his achievements in American football. He played wide receiver for nine seasons with the Detroit Lions in the NFL. Johnson attended Sandy Creek High School in Tyrone, where he excelled in football and baseball. At Georgia Tech, he earned All-American honors and won the Biletnikoff Award. He was selected second overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. Known for his size, speed, and consistency, he set the NFL record for single-season receiving yards in 2012. He appeared in six Pro Bowls and earned three first-team All-Pro selections. Johnson retired in 2015 due to health concerns and team struggles. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2018 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021. His connection to Tyrone remains strong through his early life, education, and athletic foundation formed there.