Mega Millions

Johnson's size and raw athleticism make
him the NFL's best wide receiver.

The Motor City was rocking Wednesday.

The Detroit Lions announced they have signed wideout Calvin Johnson to length and hefty contract extension.

With one year remaining on his rookie contract that he signed in 2007, Johnson inked a seven-year extension, giving him an eight-year deal worth $132 million -- $60 million guaranteed -- and making him the highest paid wide receiver in NFL history.

Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald held the previous record after he agreed to a an eight-year contract last year that could pay him up to $120 million.

If there was ever a player worth the money he received, Johnson is that player.

Since being drafted out of Georgia Tech with the No. 2 overall pick in the '07 NFL Draft, Johnson has been among the best receivers in the game.

Nicknamed by former teammate Roy Williams, 'Megatron', Johnson has caught 366 passes in his brief five-year career, complied 5,812 yards and 49 touchdowns. He just completed his best NFL season, which saw him total 1,000-plus yards for the second consecutive season and the third time in four years. In 2009, Johnson narrowly missed the 1,000-yard plateau by 16, finishing with 984.

This season Johnson made his second straight Pro Bowl and only First All-Pro team thus far. He became only the third receiver in history to catch at least 95 passes, accumulate 1,600 yards and 15 TDs, joining Jerry Rice and Randy Moss.

He had 96 reception for a league-leading 1,681 yards and 16 TDs. He also led the NFL in yards per game with 105.1, not to mention his 17.5 yard per catch were a career-high.

The 26-year-old Johnson also rushed for 11 yards last season, giving him 1,692 yards from scrimmage -- fourth in the NFL.

Following his rookie year, Johnson has totaled 5,116 yards and 45 TDs, making only the sixth receiver in history to accumulate more than 5,000 yards and 45 TDs in a four-year span, join in Rice, Moss, Lance Alworth, Marvin Harrison, and Terrell Owens.

In his five years as a Lion, with many more to come, Johnson has been through the darkness, but has seen the light at the end of the tunnel.

Johnson's second year in the league, the Lions became the first team in history to go winless in a 16-game regular season. However, this past year, Johnson and Co. made the playoffs for the first time since 1999, finishing second in the tough NFC North at 10-6.

Both Johnson and quarterback Matthew Stafford, who became the fourth player in history to throw for more than 5,000 yards in a single season, anchored the team.

Detroit wouldn't last long, losing to the New Orleans Saints on Wild Card Weekend, 45-28. But there's no question Johnson was the best player on the field.

In his playoff debut, Johnson had 12 receptions for 211 yards and two scores.

It could be a sign of many things to come, at least for the next eight years.