Brittney McNorton is renowned for her association with not one but two prolific football players. She is the wife of Pro Football Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson Jr. and the daughter of the former Detroit Lions cornerback Bruce McNorton. Brittney is not just associated with the Lions through her hubby and dad but has also worked with them for almost a decade.
This association has cast the spotlight on Brittney as people aim to understand her better. Delve inside to discover all there is to know about her and her life with her partner.
Brittney McNorton Was Born To A Football Player
McNorton was born in June 1986 to Bruce and Rosalind McNorton. She has two siblings: an elder sister, Mykeshia, and a younger brother, Bruce Jr., who was scouted by the NFL.
Her old man, Bruce, was drafted in 1982 by the Lions. He was affiliated with the team for nine seasons before signing with the Miami Dolphins on July 11, 1991. However, McNorton never played for the latter team.
Following his days as an athlete, Brittney’s dad became a coach at Pontiac Northern High School, eventually becoming head coach in 1995. He held this role until 1999 and was hired by the Pittsburgh Steelers as a scout until he quit the job in 2022. The former player currently runs an annual football clinic in Daytona Beach.
Brittney’s Career With The Detroit Lions
Calvin’s wife got her Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies from Michigan State University in 2008. She initially started her career as a senior community assistant at The Landings at Chandler Crossings in June 2007. Brittney held this position until July 2008, when she began her career with the Lions.
McNorton began as an intern in the Premium Suite Sales department in July 2008 and quickly rose through the ranks. In just seven months, she became an assistant in the Sponsorship & Suite Sales department.
Besides, in March 2012, she became the Manager of Partnership Activation until February 2014. She was then the Promotions Manager, a role she held until February 2016.
Furthermore, McNorton eventually became the Senior Manager of Promotions in February 2016 until her retirement in February 2018. She likely decided to focus on her children and family after that.
Brittney McNorton And Calvin Johnson Married In 2016
After dating for years, the two decided to take their relationship to the next step in March 2015. While the couple were attending the Ed Block Courage Awards in Baltimore, Johnson decided to pop the question. According to him,
The situation was just right, just happened to be right, we were on vacation, so why not?
A year later, on June 04, 2016, they tied the knot in West Bloomfield, Miami, surrounded by friends and family. Many of his teammates also attended the wedding.
The lovebirds have been together since.
Things Started Between The Pair With A $100 Bet
During his second year in the league, in 2008, Calvin first laid eyes on Brittney, who was an intern for the Lions. One day, his teammate, Roy Williams, made a bet with him to go and talk with her, and so he did. Johnson earned $100 and the love of his life that day.
Likewise, Mrs. Johnson has also mentioned how the balls used to come in her direction during practice, which she later realized was the then-football player’s effort to get her attention. However, it was not love at first sight, and things did not progress until 5-6 years later. Well, their first date was on Brittney’s birthday, when he got her a cake.
Then they really hit it off.
Meanwhile, Calvin ordered the engagement ring a year before he proposed. And every day, his then-girlfriend felt like he would ask her, but he did so when she least expected it.
Video: Calvin Johnson and Brittney Johnson Talking About Their Relationship
The Lovebirds Have Two Children
Thanks to their fruitful union, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have welcomed two delightful kids, Calvin III and Carter, into their lives. They are growing up really fast.
Besides, Johnson has a son, Caleb, from his previous relationship with Shallyn Blanton. The two are co-parents to their little one. Twice a month, the family flies to Atlanta, where Caleb lives, and spends time together.
Despite being an athlete, the former footballer does not push his kids to take up sports. His approach to parenting is gentle, and he lets his younglings do what they want.
Brittney McNorton’s Altercation With Caleb’s Mom In 2014
On May 25, 2014, Brittney and her partner went to Shallyn’s home to pick up Caleb. However, the custody agreement clearly stated Johnson was not supposed to bring his girlfriend at that time with him. So, the baby mama had an argument with him.
Amidst the quarrel, Mrs. Johnson allegedly pointed her cell phone in Blanton’s face while she tried to remove Caleb from the car and said she would “molly wop yo as*!” Fortunately, there was no physical altercation.
Because of all that, Blanton was in the process of filing a restraining order against Brittney. Well, they likely reached some sort of agreement as Caleb was present when his dad and stepmom married and still spends time with her. Johnson mentioned their relationship has now improved, and he invites his baby mama to events.
Calvin Johnson Occasionally Thanks His Wife For Her Support
The former wide receiver has been candid about the support he has received from his beloved. He openly expresses his love for her on social media, wishing her on their anniversaries and other occasions. He thanked Brittney during his Hall of Fame induction speech, saying,
To my beautiful wife, Brittney. To my beautiful, lovely wife: You brought balance to our demanding worlds. You’re such a kind spirit, and I admire the way you love on our boys, our handsome little boys unconditionally.
Similarly, he thanked her for helping him with the development of his emotional intelligence. Describing himself as a “little rough around the edges,” he credited his significant other for balancing their relationship with her “grace and smooth touch.”
Moreover, on his website, Johnson has described his sweetheart as “a wife, a mother, a caretaker, a mentor, and to all that know her one of the sweetest selfless souls.” He admires how she cares for their children.
Furthermore, Brittney lives with her family in Michigan, and they often travel around.