During his nine-year career with the Detroit Lions, Calvin Johnson was the best and one of the most feared receivers the NFL has ever seen. At 6’5″ and 239 pounds, he possessed a rare assemblage of strength, speed, jumping, and pass-catching ability. With these abilities, he received one of the coolest and most fitting nicknames, given to him during his rookie year’s training camp: Megatron.
The sports world was stunned when Johnson decided to call it a career in 2015 at the age of 30 and six Pro Bowls under his belt. Injuries, concussions and a franchise that never seemed to match his quest for victory made stepping away from the game in his prime the best decision Johnson could make. He was able to continue the rest of his life without any serious physical limitations.
Now, at the age of 37, The Hall of Famer is now channeling his competitive spirit into the game of golf and his cannabis company primitive. The Michigan-based company was co-founded with Johnson’s former Lions teammate Rob Sims opened a grow facility in Webberville, Michigan in 2019 and launched the Primitiv Dispensary in 2022. The company will soon launch Primitive performance — a collaboration with CYP, a company focused on innovation for higher standards of cannabis consumption. The line will include a phytocannabinoid-infused electrolyte solution in a CBD stick pack and a topical pain relief cream.
With attention focused on his new craft, Johnson walked M&F through some of his personal favorites when he clicks on the links.
Irons
I use Calloway’s Apex irons, which come with a DynamicGold stiff shaft and Jumbo max ultra-lite grips. It provides the perfect weight balance and feel I’m looking for on the course.
Corners
I currently use Mac Daddy 4 wedges because the spin is amazing with flush contact. It’s always nice to see the spin come back to the hole, after dropping it on the green.
- Buy Callaway Mack Daddy 4 Chrome Wedge: $142.99 to 2nd momentum
Bushnell Pro launch
Bushnell Golf and Foresight Sports teamed up to create this launch monitor last year. It gives me all the data I need, and then some to set my swing and, more importantly, know my carry distances on all clubs.
- Buy Bushnell Launch Pro Golf Launch Monitor & Simulator: $4,000 to Play better
Custom golf balls
I use the TaylorMade TP5 golf ball for soft feel, distance and spin. The hexagonal dimples are also aesthetically pleasing.
StaSof glove
For grip, I use the StaSoft glove from FootJoy. For long lasting softness and performance, in my opinion the best glove for big hands on the market.
- Buy StaSof-Generation Before: $23.95 to Foot Joy
Bushnell Wingman Speaker
I love my versatile Bushnell Golf Wingman speaker because not only can you keep the vibes going with the music, but the GPS and app can instantly give away distance while keeping scores etc.
divot tool
It’s been a long hard day if there isn’t much use for my ball marker and divot tool.
Apple Watch Ultra
I love my Apple Watch Ultra for twice the battery life of my last Apple Watch, the bigger, sturdier case, and for tracking things like tracking my activity or my daily tasks.
- Buy Apple Watch Ultra: $799 to Apple
GolfBuddy GB Laser Lite Rangefinder
My Golf Buddy lite is a simple and easy to use rangefinder that takes slope into account unlike some rangefinders which can be important when addressing shots.
Hydration
I use Primitiv Performance’s Nanocannabinoid Infused Electrolyte Solution to get the hydration my body needs so my mind can stay focused on the course.
Topical
I use Primitiv Performance Topical Nanocannabinoid Cream for inflammation and pain relief. I use it before and after any type of physical activity that will cause joint or muscle pain.
baseball cap
I rock my Primitiv New Era Black on Black Camo Snap when I feel like channeling my inner Tiger Woods.
- Buy the Primitiv FlexFit Cap: $15 to primitive
Morgenthal Frederics Blonde Horn Sunglasses
I always take my Morgenthal Frederics because they are lovely sturdy shades, perfect for blocking out the sun and any other negative energy.
Shoes
The Jordan 1 is my favorite maybe because Nike released the first version in my birth year. Nevertheless, when the golf shoe was released, it became an instant favorite. Great for walking, riding, and even looks great when worn socially. I will probably never have a new pair on deck.
