Calvin Johnson Brings Megatron Energy to RealTruck’s Grand Opening in Rochester Hills

Motor City just got a little more Real. RealTruck’s new retail store in Rochester Hills, Michigan opened with the kind of energy only Detroit can deliver. Horsepower, craftsmanship, and community filled the air from start to finish.

NFL Hall of Famer and Detroit icon Calvin Johnson, better known as “Megatron,” joined the celebration to unveil a custom-built 2025 Ford F-150 created in partnership with RealTruck. The truck will be auctioned to benefit the Calvin Johnson Jr. Foundation, which supports youth health and education initiatives across Detroit and beyond.

“I’ve always loved lights and LEDs,” Johnson said as he admired the F-150. “We went with a Tron-style grid design that feels old-school but still tough. The stance is aggressive without being too in-your-face.”

Before football fame, Johnson’s passion for machines was already taking shape. He remembered collecting diecast cars as a kid, laughing as he said, “I always wanted one, but couldn’t imagine I would not fit in them.” Today, with a family and new priorities, he has traded sports cars for trucks and SUVs. “These are the real toys now,” he said.

The star of the event was Johnson’s custom Ford F-150, a perfect blend of Detroit power and refined craftsmanship. 

It rides on a RealTruck 4-inch lift kit with King coilovers, giving it a confident, planted stance. The front end features a RealTruck Element front bumper with a 20-inch light bar, while color-changing AVS AeroCab Pro lighting and AMP Research PowerStep Vision illuminated side steps deliver the signature Megatron glow.

Inside, the cabin features custom Aaliyah Leather seats with purple stitching inspired by Johnson’s Detroit colors. The exterior carries a Megatron-themed wrap that ties the look together, combining subtle design with raw toughness. Functional upgrades include a Husky Liners bed liner, RealTruck MX4 bed cover, and Husky Liners bug shield.

Every detail feels intentional, from the lighting to the materials, and every dollar raised from the auction will support the Calvin Johnson Jr. Foundation.

Founded in 2008, the Calvin Johnson Jr. Foundation focuses on empowering youth through education, mentorship, and community outreach. Johnson’s mission has always gone beyond the football field, and this build continues that legacy.

From scholarship programs to health and wellness initiatives, the foundation helps young people in Detroit and beyond reach their full potential. By auctioning off his custom F-150, Johnson is using his passion for vehicles to fuel something bigger: opportunity and hope for the next generation.

The ribbon-cutting was a full-throttle event. RealTruck’s Chief Growth Officer Tony Ambroza welcomed the crowd alongside the mayor of Rochester Hills and the Chamber of Commerce. A custom Z71 Silverado brought the house down when it pulled the grand opening banner from the storefront, kicking off a day packed with excitement.

Inside, the new RealTruck store showcases what modern truck culture looks like. The space features fully realized rigs that let visitors experience how RealTruck products come together in complete builds. Customers can explore interactive product displays, talk to experts, and even book on-site installations to see their truck come to life.

This store isn’t just a showroom; it’s a celebration of what makes Michigan drivers different. From the Upper Peninsula trails to downtown Detroit streets, Michiganders know trucks aren’t just for getting around. They’re for getting things done.

RealTruck’s Rochester Hills location was built for that lifestyle. Every display, every build, and every accessory reflects the state’s mix of grit and craftsmanship. Whether it’s a lift kit ready for snow-packed backroads, a bed cover built for the jobsite, or lighting that cuts through a foggy trail on a cold morning, everything here feels made for Michigan.

Pickup culture runs deep here. It’s about early mornings at the lake, nights under the Northern Lights, and weekends spent wrenching in the garage. RealTruck gets it. This store gives local drivers a place to build something personal, something that works hard and looks even better doing it.

Because in Michigan, we don’t just drive trucks. We build them. We use them. We live by them.

If you missed the event, there’s still time to stop by. 

Visit the new RealTruck store in Rochester Hills and enter to win a customized Jeep Gladiator as part of the ongoing grand opening celebration.

With Calvin Johnson’s F-150 leading the way, RealTruck is proving once again that Detroit doesn’t just build trucks. It builds community.