No Offense, Calvin Johnson, But You’re ‘Pretty Old,’ Says Baltimore’s Rookie Safety

Ah, to be young again, with a spring in the step and the ability to fit an entire foot in one’s mouth, football cleat and all. Calvin Johnson and Matthew Elam know what’s up, right Megatron?

For those late to the party, apparently Elam, rookie safety for the Baltimore Ravens, said Calvin Johnson, the consensus-best wide receiver in the National Football League on paper and on the field, won’t be a physical challenge to him this coming Monday night because he’s getting up there in years.

“He’s pretty old, so I don’t know how physical he’ll be,” Elam said via the Detroit Free Press. “He’s a big guy, but he’s older. I guess when they get older they’re not going to be as physical, you know what I’m saying? We’re going to have to be physical, make him uncomfortable.”

Now, Elam is giving up seven inches and 25 lbs. to the not-exactly-geriatric Calvin Johnson. We’ll see how that works out for him in a few days.

Cue the bombastic backlash.

Elam took to Twitter Wednesday night to assure the world that he in no way meant to disparage Calvin Johnson or offend the delicate sensibilities of football fans and senior citizens alike.

First, it was “People so trippy yo, cool out..! Lol…” presumably while he was being pursued by an angry, virtual torch-and-pitchfork mob of Calvin Johnson fans and armchair quarterbacks.

Then, in what we’re reading in a more serious tone, there was “I will never disrespect greatness…”

It’s not the first “No he di’int” moment invoking Calvin Johnson this season. Remember the kerfuffle when the Dallas Cowboys’ Dez Bryant claimed to be just as good as the Detroit wide out? Of course, even Dallas owner Jerry Jones says Calvin Johnson is the best wide out in the game.

Honestly, it would be much more entertaining if Elam was talking trash to Calvin Johnson; it would make the personal highlight reel Megatron is going to run that much more enjoyable.

What do you think about Matthew Elam’s comments about Calvin Johnson? Are they being blown out of proportion or are they spot on?

I will never disrespect greatness…

— Matthew Elam (@ElamVsElo) December 12, 2013