The Lions lose another all-time great, as Calvin Johnson retires

The Detroit Lions pressed for a decision from Calvin Johnson, and they got an answer that can’t make them too happy.

Johnson is walking away, retiring at age 30. The team announced his decision on Tuesday morning. The Lions said Johnson filed his retirement papers and his contractual matters “were settled to the satisfaction of the parties.”

So that’s that. The Lions, for the second time in less than 20 years, have seen an all-time great player step away from the game suddenly. First it was running back Barry Sanders. Now it’s Johnson. Calvin Johnson is saying farewell to Matthew Stafford, the Lions and the NFL. (AP)

The rumors have been circulating about Johnson for a long time this offseason, and many have focused on his health. Johnson has been banged up the past few years and reportedly didn’t want to keep putting his body through the rigors of being an NFL player. One also has to wonder if the constant losing played a part. For as great as Johnson was individually, he played in the playoffs just twice in nine seasons. The Lions lost in their first playoff game both times.

That isn’t Johnson’s fault. He did everything he could. He walks away at age 30 with 731 catches, 11,619 yards and 83 touchdowns in just nine seasons. He set the NFL’s single-season receiving yardage record, with 1,964 yards in 2012. The second overall pick of the 2007 draft set a new bar for big, physical receivers. He was a marvelous player, even if he ended up playing in obscurity too often because of the franchise he was with.

And with that he’s gone. Once again the Lions have lost a future Hall of Fame player too soon to retirement.

Johnson, who never embraced publicity during his career, made a statement through the team’s website rather than have a news conference to announce his retirement:

“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.

“I also want you to know that I have the utmost respect and admiration for the game of football. It has provided so much for me and my family and I will be forever grateful to the game.

“With the reality of my decision, I realize there are a lot of people I would like to thank. I must start with my family – thank you for all your love and support.

“I also want to especially thank Mrs. Ford and the Ford Family for all their support over the years. They are tremendous owners and I loved playing for them. I would also like to recognize Mr. Ford, who I was honored to know and play for before he passed away.

“While it would be hard to name them all, I would also like to thank all of my teammates past and present.

“I also want to thank all of my coaches who I played for, in particular Coach Caldwell for his support, wisdom and guidance over the past two seasons. I loved playing for Coach Caldwell.

“There are so many other people I would like to recognize and thank for what they have done for me throughout my career, but rather than risk forgetting someone, I will simply say “thanks” to everyone.

“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.