Detroit Lions star wide receiver Calvin Johnson is seriously considering retiring from football, according to Terry Foster of CBS Detroit. "Like many players at this stage of their career, I am currently evaluating options for my future," Johnson said in statement, via Lions reporter Tori Petry's Twitter account. "I would expect to have a decision regarding this matter in the not-too-distant future."
"We obviously have profound respect for Calvin and certainly understand and appreciate his decision to give proper thought and consideration to his football future," the Lions released in a statement, via CBS Detroit. Johnson is under contract until the 2020 season, and money and the team reportedly have nothing to do with the decision, according to Foster. Johnson has already earned over $160 million in his career in the NFL and is likely guaranteed to make the Hall of Fame. The Lions have had talented players leave when they have had plenty left in the tank in the past, and news of this nature likely reminds Lions fans of Barry Sanders leaving the sport after 10 incredible seasons.
Johnson has 11,619 receiving yards and has scored 83 touchdowns. Megatron was considered one of the best to step on the field at the position, and in 2012, he set the single-season receiving record with 1,964 yards. Johnson currently sits as the 27th best receiver all time in terms of yards over his career, but no receiver of this era had as much of a presence on the field as Johnson has had. The 6-foot-5, 237-pound wide receiver towers over defensive backs on the field and has caught over 1,000 receiving yards for six straight seasons. The Lions star wide receiver has dealt with plenty of injuries over his career, but he has played through pain and only missed three games the past three seasons.
The Lions finished this season with a 7-9 record and are in need of plenty of changes this offseason. There is no guarantee that Johnson will retire this offseason, and Lions fans are likely clinging on to the hope that he will return in 2016.
