The Sports Xchange

Calvin Johnson didn’t lobby to be moved to another team by the Detroit Lions ahead of Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline.

The nine-year veteran wide receiver is fine staying with the team that drafted him as long as the goal is to win.

“I want to win here, you know,” Johnson said. “This is where I’ve been. So definitely want to create a winning culture where I’m at.”

Johnson was one of the players mentioned around the league as a potential candidate for a trade. He said he has heard the rumors about a deal but dismissed it.

“I’m fortunate enough to play in this league, that the Lions took me where I’m at,” Johnson said. “They brought me here and I have a great cast of teammates, you know, guys I have been playing with for a long time. I love where I’m at right now but definitely want to win.”

Since Johnson arrived in Detroit, the Lions have reached the playoffs twice — in 2011 and 2014 — but lost in wild-card games both years. In 2015, the Lions are 1-7 midway through the season.

“It’s not where you want to be, clearly,” Johnson said. “Definitely expected better. Kind of upset with where you’re at right now, but the only thing you can do right now is keep putting good film out there.”

After eight games this season, Johnson has 48 catches for 659 yards and three touchdowns, adding to his career totals of 691 receptions for 11,064 yards and 77 touchdowns in 127 games.