Calvin Johnson retired from the NFL today after nine seasons with the Detroit Lions. He was arguably the greatest receiver of his era, amassing 11,619 yards, 721 receptions and 83 touchdowns. He was unstoppable at times, often requiring double and triple teams. He was fun to watch, he was well-respected by peers, and he was beloved by fans. He also unintentionally gave us perhaps the greatest football Vine ever after Green Bay defeated Detroit on a Hail Mary in 2015.
All that being said, Johnson was a part of some awful, awful Lions teams over the last decade. The 2008 squad in particular went 0-16. The 2011 and 2014 Lions went to the playoffs only to lose in heartbreaking fashion to the Saints and Cowboys respectively. The frustration and the physical toll the game took on his body was simply too much. Rumors began circulating shortly after the season about a possible retirement. Nobody wanted to believe it, least of all the Detroit Lions.
But alas, the Lions can’t have (nor deserve) nice things.
Calvin Johnson retires from the National Football League: https://t.co/8YgcYxLjNS pic.twitter.com/IdC1yIMX8R
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) March 8, 2016
Calvin provided a statement to the media. For those who know Calvin, a press conference for his retirement was never a consideration.
“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.
“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.
“From the bottom of my heart I thank you all for everything.”
Several people who played with and against Calvin weighed in on Twitter.
Can't help but think, this is the second once in a lifetime player that retired early through the Lions organization…
— Lawrence Jackson (@LoJackson94) March 8, 2016
I remember seeing Megatron for the first time thinking he was a DE…until he lined up at WR. Man was it fun watching him play!
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) March 8, 2016
I'm so happy for Calvin, to go out on his terms is exactly what he is; rare. Somehow I got to play 5 years with him and what he accomplished
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) March 8, 2016
https://twitter.com/GregJennings/status/707242611329753089
Rare height, size, speed, and strength made you virtually unstoppable in real life and in @EAMaddenNFL @calvinjohnsonjr #ThankYouMegatron
— Jonas Gray (@JonasLGray) March 8, 2016
It's better to walk early than limp away late.
I wish Calvin Johnson the best.— robert smith (@Robert26Smith) March 8, 2016
And the NFL media:
I have 731 great memories of Calvin Johnson — all 731 catches were special. A great, great nine years. Even practice was worth watching.
— Mike O'Hara (@MikeOHaraNFL) March 8, 2016
Good for Calvin, he leaves when he felt he needed to, physically. And good for the Lions it didn't get any messier.
— Bob Wojnowski (@bobwojnowski) March 8, 2016
Calvin Johnson didn't make a firm decision til today but he did call each of the Ford daughters to thank them for everything when 2015 ended
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2016
In 30 years of scouting I've been to some impressive Pro Days. Calvin Johnson's pro day at Georgia Tech may have been the best
— Greg Gabriel (@ggabefootball) March 8, 2016
https://twitter.com/AndrewSiciliano/status/707239580198576130
Two days.. two greats walk away. 1st Peyton and now Megatron. Never saw anyone beat triple coverage more regularly than Calvin.
— trey wingo (@wingoz) March 8, 2016
Finally, on a more personal note, Calvin’s catch against the Bengals remains one of the greatest individual plays I’ve ever seen.
