Detroit Lions fans rain boos at Ford family during Calvin Johnson ring ceremony

The Ford Family was booed loudly during Calvin Johnson’s Hall of Fame ring ceremony at halftime of the Detroit Lions’ game against the Baltimore Ravens at Ford Field on Sunday.

When owner Sheila Ford Hamp, surrounded by the Ford family on the field, was introduced and began to speak, fans’ displeasure was so loud that Johnson had to flap his arms to ask the fans to quiet down.

“It’s an honor to represent excellence and everything the Hall of Fame stands for,” Johnson said during the ceremony. “It’s an honor to represent Detroit. I love you guys. It’s an honor to represent the NFL and the Johnson name on my back. I love you guys, I love the energy ya’ll brought every Sunday. I miss you guys and I look forward to many great days in the future here in Detroit.”

SHAWN WINDSOR:Lions' indomitable spirit wasn't enough to hold off history. But it was so close

MEGATRON'S BEST:My favorite 81 memories of Calvin Johnson's Hall of Fame career with the Lions

MITCH ALBOM:Calvin Johnson's Hall of Fame shine shouldn't be clouded by Detroit Lions spat

Johnson in 2021 was the seventh receiver selected to the Hall of Fame on the first ballot, the third in the past 25 years, and the first modern-era Lions player elected since Barry Sanders.

Before the game, late Lions defensive tackle Alex Karras, who played for the team from 1958-70, also was honored with a brief ceremony for his induction into the Hall of Fame Class of 2020. Karras’ family was present at the game.

Johnson has had an icy relationship with the Lions since the team required him to repay a $1.6 million portion of his signing bonus when he retired after the 2015 season.

NFL teams are allowed under the collective bargaining agreement with players to recoup the prorated portion of a retiring player's signing bonus, which for Johnson could have amounted to as much as $3.2 million.

Most teams, however, do not pursue signing bonus prorations when players of Johnson's magnitude retire.

The Lions did little promotion during the week for the ceremony. But during the game, there were recorded videos played from current players talking about their memories of watching Johnson when they were youngsters.

Before the game, Johnson’s Hall of Fame bronze bust was on display on the concourse.

The Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence that Johnson was presented is created by Kay Jewelers. It is set in 14-karat gold with a total diamond weight of 1.75 carats.

FOR ALL TIME:For Calvin Johnson, Pro Football Hall of Fame induction 'like a dream come true'

Contact Carlos Monarrez at cmonarrez@freepress.com and follow him on Twitter @cmonarrez.