Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson confirmed Monday that he broke the NFL single-season record with 1,964 receiving yards last year despite playing much of the season with broken fingers.
“Trying to straighten them things out,” Johnson said of the crooked fingers on his left hand.
Johnson said he wasn’t certain exactly when he suffered the injury. It was never reported by the Lions on their mandatory injury updates.
“You just think it’s something that’s hurting and you keep playing,” Johnson said.
During an interview with reporters Monday morning at the team’s headquarters in Allen Park, Mich., Johnson also addressed the off-field troubles of former teammate Titus Young.
Young remains in jail in Riverside, Calif., after being arrested three times in less than a week.
“Very tough,” Johnson said. “Just pray he can get his off-the-field stuff straight so he can move on with his life.
“You can never foresee things like this but I wish him the best. We’re praying for him.”
