Sept. 1, 2017
THE FLATS – Legendary Georgia Tech wideout Calvin Johnson will serve as the Yellow Jackets’ honorary captain for Monday’s Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game versus Tennessee at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
In keeping with its tradition of recognizing notable alumni prior to the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game, game officials selected Johnson to accompany Georgia Tech’s team captains to midfield for the pregame coin toss prior to Monday’s 8 p.m. kickoff.
One of the most successful wide receivers in the history of both college and professional football, Johnson was a three-time all-conference honoree and two-time first-team all-American during his three-year Georgia Tech career (2004-06). He caught 178 passes for 2,927 yards and 28 touchdowns in three seasons as a Yellow Jacket and still holds six school records – receiving yards in a career and season (1,202 in 2006), touchdown receptions in a career and season (15 in 2006) and 100-yard receiving games in a career (13) and season (seven in 2006).
After winning the Biletnikoff Award and Paul Warfield Trophy (both presented to college football’s top wide receiver) and finishing 10th in balloting for the Heisman Trophy as a senior in 2006, Johnson was selected by the Detroit Lions with the second overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. He went on to be three-time first-team All-Pro (2011-13), a six-time Pro Bowler (2010-15) and two-time NFL leader in receiving yards (2011-12) in nine seasons with the Lions (2007-15). He holds four NFL records, including most single-season receiving yards (1,964 in 2012), consecutive 100-yard receiving games (eight), consecutive games with 10-plus receptions (four) and 100-yard receiving games in a season (11) and finished his pro career with 731 catches for 11,619 yards and 83 touchdowns.
Johnson is in his first year of eligibility for inclusion on the ballot for the College Football Hall of Fame. The Hall’s Class of 2018 will be announced on Jan. 8 prior to the College Football Playoff national championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
GEORGIA TECH PEP RALLY SET FOR 6:15 P.M.: Georgia Tech’s official pregame pep rally prior to Monday’s Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game will begin at 6:15 p.m. as part of the game’s FanZone presented by Coca-Cola at the Georgia World Congress Center, just steps from Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Yellow Jackets’ pregame pep rally will feature appearances by the Georgia Tech marching band, spirit squads and other special guests.
Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game tickets include admission to FanZone, which also includes interactive football games, tons of giveaways, contests and fun, official Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game merchandise and food and drinks. For more information on the event, which runs from 3-7 p.m., click HERE.
CLEAR BAG POLICY REMINDER: In order to enhance safety precautions and fans’ gameday experience, Mercedes-Benz Stadium will enforce a clear-bag policy. Save time by making sure you have the correct bag ahead of time. For full information, click HERE.
MARTA SERVICE TO MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM: MARTA provides convenient public transportation options to and from Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The preferred station for arrival and departure from MBS is the Georgia World Congress Center/Phillips Arena/CNN Center station. For more information, click HERE.
Monday’s sold-out Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game between the Yellow Jackets and Volunteers will be televised nationally on ESPN (play-by-play: Rece Davis; analyst: Kirk Herbstreit; sideline reporter: Maria Taylor).
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