Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Last night, Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson broke a 17 year old NFL record. The Lions receiver passed Jerry Rice to become the single season receiving yards leader. The amazing thing is there is still one game left on the season and Johnson could actually surpass the 2,000 mark by the end of the 2012 season.
Brann’s Steakhouse and Grille, a Michigan based chain of 10 locations, is offering fans a chance to celebrate if Johnson can surpass 2,000 yards. If Johnson gets at least 108 yards against the Chicago Bears, the restaurant chain will be giving fans free wings.
The restaurant chain is calling their promotion the “Countdown to 2,000 yards”. Anyone who likes Brann’s Facebook page will receive a coupon for a free order of wings if Johnson hits the mark.
Brann’s was founded in 1960 and now has 10 locations in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Holland, Northville and Macomb. Locations are open 11am to 2am Monday through Saturday and 11am to 12am on Sunday.s
In July of 2011, the chain signed Calvin as the official spokesperson. The deal included the use of Johnson on billboards, in commercials and print advertisements. Calvin is featured on the company’s website with phrases like, “My late night game plan is always at Brann’s” and “Brann’s gift cards, my go-to holiday presents”. The restaurants even feature an entrée called “Calvin Johnson’s Ramblin Wreck Burger & Wing Combo.
The deal with Calvin began after an autograph session at the Northville location impressed management. The restaurant chain wanted a Michigan sports star to promote its rebranded sports theme chain. Brann’s had this to say at the time of the signing, “As a smaller chain, to get someone of Johnson’s stature to represent us, we feel like we got the most famous athlete in Michigan. We definitely go the guy we wanted. We’re delighted to have him on our team.”
As fans celebrate Calvin breaking Jerry Rice’s record, they now may be able to get free wings in the process.
