OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson intends to use his "old man strength" to teach Ravens free safety Matt Elam a lesson about showing respect to his elders.

Elam said Wednesday that Johnson "is pretty old" and that Baltimore would try to get physical against the talented star to "make him uncomfortable."

Elam is only six years younger than the 28-year-old Johnson, who responded to the rookie's comments during a conference call with Baltimore media Thursday. After calling the Ravens' safeties "young," Johnson said, "I'm getting old, man. I'll show him what that old man strength is about, though."

He added, "Anything that comes at me throughout the week, you just take it and put it in that box over there and use it as motivation."

Johnson leads the NFL with 12 touchdown catches and 1,348 yards receiving.

Of Elam, Johnson said, "He plays back. I don't see him every play unless I run past him."

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

More From KSOO-AM / ESPN Sioux Falls