The Associated Press has announced their 2011 NFL All-Pro Team, and the Detroit Lions are represented on the list in a big way. Big as in 6-foot-5, 236 pounds, as wide receiver Calvin Johnson has made it to the first-team for the first time in his career. He was just one vote shy of unanimous, reeling in 49 of the 50 potential votes, and had the most votes of any offensive player. Jared Allen of the Minnesota Vikings also had 49 votes. The next-highest vote totals went to Jets cornerback Darelle Revis with 48 and Ravens linebacker, Terrell Suggs at 47.
Johnson had a monster season, which will continue in the playoffs on Saturday. He finished the regular season with 1,681 yards off of 96 receptions and 16 touchdowns. The touchdown mark is the highest for any player in Lions franchise history for a single season. His yardage totals were the highest of any receiver in the league, beating guys like Wes Welker, Larry Fitzgerald and Victor Cruz.
He had previously made it as a second-team All-Pro in 2010. No other Lions appeared on the All-Pro team, which is understandable given the caliber of the team this year. Johnson feels honored to be named to the All-Pro team, but does have his sights set on a higher honor:
"That's sweet," Johnson said. "That's one of the best honors you can have other than being a Super Bowl champion. To be an All-Pro is a tremendous honor."
For more on the Detroit Lions, check out Pride of Detroit. You can also head over to SB Nation's main NFL hub at SBNation.com/NFL.
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