Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson is reportedly serious about retiring and has talked about it with his teammates in the past few weeks, according to NFL reporter Ian Rapoport.
"Like many players at this stage of their career, I am currently evaluating options for my future," Johnson said in a statement, via the Lions' team website. "I would expect to have a decision regarding this matter in the not-too-distant future."
Johnson is likely a sure-fire hall of famer, with 11,619 yards and 83 touchdowns. Also known as Megatron, the Lions star wide out set the NFL single-season record for receiving yards with 1,964 yards. At 6-foot-5, 237-pounds, Johnson towers over defensive backs, but he has top end speed that allows him to get behind coverage.
Johnson has an average of 86 yards per game in his career, which ranks him as the best in NFL history among players with at least 100 games, according to ESPN. He has dealt with knee, ankle and finger injuries the past few season, and his body has clearly been feeling the toll of playing nine seasons in the NFL.
Lions fans are hoping that this is not another case like running back Barry Sanders, where one of the most talented players in the league walks away well before they are physically finished. "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 said in a statement.
It's unclear if Johnson will return in 2016, but given the amount of money he has already made in his career, the question will likely come down to desire and if the Lions star wide still has the urge to suit up on Sundays.
