Magic Johnson was a champion in the state of Michigan for Everett High School and Michigan State before going on to NBA fame and a Hall of Fame career with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Now, he’s returning to his home state in a new role: opposing NFL owner.
Johnson, a minority owner in the Washington Commanders, plans to attend the Lions-Commanders divisional playoff game on Saturday at Ford Field, he announced soon after Washington’s wild card win over Tampa Bay.
“Cookie and I are excited to head back home to Michigan for our next matchup against the Lions!” Johnson wrote.
Johnson was part of an ownership group that purchased the Commanders from Dan Snyder in 2023. That group has found quick success, replacing the franchise’s general manager and head coach six months after taking over, then watching that management draft quarterback Jayden Daniels and become one of the most surprising teams in the NFL this year.
Washington went 12-5 in the regular season and beat the Buccaneers on Sunday night for the franchise’s first playoff win since 2006.
Johnson was on hand afterward to take part in the celebrations. Speaking with reporters, he praised majority owner Josh Harris for having a “new vision” and “new strategy,” then shared a hug with Commanders star wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
“The culture changed,” Johnson said. “You went from a losing culture to a winning culture.”
Saturday will mark the first time that the Commanders have played Johnson’s home-state Lions since he joined Washington’s ownership group. Johnson is also a part-owner of the Dodgers, the Los Angeles Sparks and Los Angeles FC.
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