In Brief: Brann's Signs Lions' Calvin Johnson as Official Spokesperson

Detroit Lions fans will soon see a familiar face when they walk into the Macomb Township location of –wide receiver Calvin Johnson.

While in most cases it won't be the flesh-and-blood Johnson, his face will soon become a permanent fixture in all nine locations of the Grand Rapids-based chain as part of the two-year contract Brann's signed adopting the NFL superstar as its official spokesperson.

From in-store cutouts of Johnson promoting his charitable foundation (Calvin Johnson Jr. Foundation), to TV and radio spots, outdoor billboards and social media, the exclusive two-year agreement will see the All-Pro wide receiver become the face of Brann's. 

"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," said Johnny Brann Sr., one of the partners in the family-owned business, in an interview with The Grand Rapids Press. "We definitely got the guy we wanted. We're delighted to have him on our team."

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Brann's has agreed to make an undisclosed donation to Johnson's foundation, according to the Press.

The 25-year-old Johnson is entering his fifth NFL season.

Brann's has four locations in the Grand Rapids area and restaurants in Holland, Portage, Muskegon, Northville and Macomb Township.