It may be time to say goodbye to one of the best players to ever play for the Detroit Lions organization. Adam Schefter reports that Calvin Johnson told friends, family, Matthew Stafford and Stephen Tulloch before the season ended that he was planning to hang up the jersey. Coach Jim Caldwell and the rest of the organization found out after the season ended.
Johnson’s reasoning comes down to a matter of his body. He has been suffering through various injuries and soreness for a good part of last season, which has been giving him conviction to call it an end to his career. Calvin will turn 31 this year. He finished 2014-2015 with 88 receptions for 1,214 yards and nine touchdowns and played in all 16 games.
An official decision has not been made for Detroit’s all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards, so the Lions still hope he has a change of heart
Coach Caldwell urged Johnson to take his time and not rush his decision and the wide receiver agreed to do that, but sources close to the situation told ESPN that he is content with retiring.
UPDATE: Calvin Johnson has officially announced his retirement after nine seasons in the NFL with the Detroit Lions. He issued a statement on his decision:
“Let me begin by apologizing for making this announcement via a statement and not in person. While I truly respect the significance of this, those who know me best will understand and not be surprised that I choose not to have a press conference for this announcement. After much prayer, thought and discussion with loved ones, I have made the difficult decision to retire from the Lions and pro football. I have played my last game of football. Let me assure you that this was not an easy or hasty decision. As I stated, I, along with those closest to me, have put a lot of time, deliberation and prayer into this decision and I truly am at peace with it.
And finally, to the fans of Detroit and Michigan. I so appreciated your passionate support over the years and truly enjoyed playing for you. I loved playing in Detroit and will forever be a Lion. My biggest regret is that I wasn’t able to help give our fans a championship. But I do believe the future of the Lions is bright and with the leadership from people like Rod Wood and Bob Quinn, who I have gotten to know over the past few months, I am confident that our fans will soon be rewarded with the championship you deserve.
“From the bottom of my heart I thank you all for everything.”
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