Megatron Is Done: Calvin Johnson Set To Retire From Detroit Lions And NFL
In a bit of shocking and breaking news, All-Pro wide receiver Calvin Johnson is set to retire from the Detroit Lions and the NFL. Apparently, Johnson has told his family and a close circle of friends, along with Lions head coach Jim Caldwell, that 2015 would be his final year.
BREAKING: Calvin Johnson told Jim Caldwell that 2015 was his final season. (via @AdamSchefter) pic.twitter.com/Cu0bUd1Yw5
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 31, 2016
According to ESPN, Johnson has let it be known that 2015 was going to be his final year in the NFL and he is indeed set to head into retirement.
Jim Caldwell has advised Johnson not to rush into his decision and retire if he isn’t 100 percent certain that he wants to do that. Caldwell thinks Johnson should take some time and decide if this is the best choice for himself and his family.
Megatron has agreed to do just that out of respect to his head coach.
The Detroit Free Press has been saying that it was quite possible he would retire early from the NFL as it’s something that is becoming more and more common. Retirement is not something that only comes about because a player can’t go anymore or because they aren’t wanted, but because they are just done.
Calvin Johnson will turn 31 in September, and some have said that he is starting to wind down and his production is lessening.
He has played nine seasons in the NFL, all with the Detroit Lions, and his numbers really weren’t too bad in 2015. Johnson finished with 1,214 yards on 88 receptions and nine touchdowns. His numbers were actually quite on par with how a number of his other years have gone.
Some believe that he has lost a step or his touch just isn’t as good as it used to be, but he is aging. Even then, he’s still one of the best receivers, and best players in the entire league. Should Johnson decide to not play again, he will finish his career with 731 receptions for 11,619 yards and 83 touchdowns.
There had been talk that this would be Johnson’s last season with the Lions, but more so because he may be traded or released. No one really saw retirement as being the reason he wouldn’t be in Detroit any longer.
The Lions are hopeful that Johnson will change his mind and end up coming back, but it doesn’t seem likely. One person who is close to Johnson has said that “He’s pretty content with his decision.”
It’s very true that Johnson has experienced some injuries and his body has worn down over the course of nine years and five Pro Bowls. This past season, he was on the injury report every single week from the middle of the season due to ankle problems and a foot injury as well.
Due to his body being so sore and his decision to retire being so strong, he actually told two teammates what he was going to do after the 2015 season was over. Both quarterback Matthew Stafford and linebacker Stephen Tulloch knew that this was coming, but they kept it secret out of respect to him.
The Detroit Lions were not made aware of Calvin Johnson’s decision to retire until after the 2015 season. After the season was over, Johnson had something to say, but it was subtle.
“Like many players at this stage of their career, I am currently evaluating options for my future. I would expect to have a decision regarding this matter in the not-too-distant future.”
One of the best and most exciting players in the game does appear to have been on the field for this last down ever. The Detroit Lions may have to do a lot of work to find a replacement for wide receiver Calvin Johnson who seemingly has made up his mind. Megatron will retire.
[Image by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images]
