Calvin Johnson, All-Pro wide receiver for the Detroit Lions, recently visited ESPN headquarters to promote the cover vote for the new Madden video game, coming out later this year.
Johnson has made it to the final round of the fan vote, facing Cam Newton in the final. He’s hoping his trip to ESPN will help secure his spot as the cover athlete for EA Sports’ Madden NFL 2013. The winner will be announced Wednesday.
“I am a big fan of Madden. I play it whenever I get the chance,” Johnson said in an exclusive phone interview.
Johnson also is spending his time doing work for his foundation. The Calvin Johnson Jr. Foundation was established in 2008 to support at-risk youth and aid those who are in difficult financial situations.
“Giving back to the community has always been a part of who I am and where I have come from,” Johnson said by phone. “My grandfather was a preacher. He would always give his time to help out others. That quality has trickled down to me.”
The Calvin Johnson Jr. Foundation holds its annual Wide Receiver Football Camp July 21 in Atlanta. The camp will provide football tips and techniques from the star wideout and other NFL players, and is open to all rising 9th-12th graders. Campers will gain important information on the value of nutrition in athletics.
“I have seen the importance and impact my foundation has had on people,” Johnson said. “I want to continue to do whatever I can to help out the community.”
No. 81’s Detroit Lions open the regular season against the St. Louis Rams Sept. 9.
-Special thanks to Scottie Graham of NFL PLAYERS for contributing to this story.
