Lions legend Calvin Johnson: It'd be 'a slight' to not be first-ballot Hall of Famer

Former Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson was unquestionably one of the most talented individuals to ever play the position when in his prime. The six-time Pro Bowler named First-team All-Pro on three occasions still holds the record for most receiving yards in a single campaign (1,964) that he notched in 2012, but he shocked the football community when he retired in March 2016 after only nine seasons. 

Now a finalist to be elected into the Hall of Fame, Johnson believes he should make it in on his first try. 

"Of course, it will feel like a slight, I guess, if you don't get in the first time and you're up there, you're a finalist," Johnson said during an appearance on the "Huddle & Flow" podcast, per Adam Maya of the league's official website. "I can't say that it wouldn't, because we're human, we're emotional. But it'll happen. I confidently feel like it'll happen. Will it happen first time? That would be awesome. Get it out of the way. Why not?"

According to Pro-Football-Reference, the man affectionately known as "Megatron" is second only to Atlanta Falcons star Julio Jones (95.5) in career receiving yards per game (86.1). Johnson's resume may not matter much to voters, per Maya, as only six receivers have ever been selected as first-ballot Hall of Famers. 

Johnson will undoubtedly learn that he has been selected for the Hall, either during the NFL Honors show that airs Feb. 6 or some other year in the not-so-distant future.