Lions WR Calvin Johnson retires
Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson has retired, the team announced Tuesday.
“After much prayer, thought and discussion with loved ones, I have made the difficult decision to retire from the Lions and pro football,” Johnson said in a statement. “I have played my last game of football.”
Johnson, 30, spent his entire nine-year career in Detroit, leading the league in receiving twice and earning six trips to the Pro Bowl. He set the NFL’s single-season record with 1,964 receiving yards in 2012. In 135 NFL games, Johnson compiled 11,619 receiving yards and 84 touchdowns. He sits in 27th on the league’s all-time receiving list.
“Let me assure you that this was not an easy or hasty decision,” Johnson continued. “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.”
Johnson was selected by the Lions in the first round of the 2007 NFL draft out of Georgia Tech. He was a three-time first team All-Pro selection from 2011 to ’13 and a second team pick in 2010.
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He finishes his career with seven 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
