Report: Lions WR Johnson to retire

ESPN writer Adam Shefter reported Sunday that Detroit wide receiver Calvin Johnson plans to retire soon.
Johnson told his family and inner circle before last season it would be his last before retiring, according to the report. He also told coach Jim Caldwell the same thing after the season concluded. According to the report, Caldwell then told Johnson not to rush his decision, and out of respect to Caldwell, Johnson agreed to do just that.
Shefter reported the Lions have not given up hope Johnson could change his mind, but one person who knows Johnson well said, “He’s pretty content with his decision.”
The reason, Shefter writes, is after nine seasons in the NFL, Johnson’s body is beaten down. The five-time Pro Bowler has battled lingering ankle injuries and general body soreness to the point that it makes it difficult for him to return for another season, during which time he would turn 31 years old.
Johnson’s body has been so sore, and his conviction so strong, that he shared his decision to retire after the 2015 season with only two teammates – quarterback Matthew Stafford and linebacker Stephen Tulloch – with the request that they keep it confidential, according to sources.
A report by mlive.com said Johnson has remained relatively silent on the matter, allowing a single, written statement to do the talking for him as he mulls his future.
“Like many players at this stage of their career, I am currently evaluating options for my future,” he said. “I would expect to have a decision regarding this matter in the not-too-distant future.”
The Lions issued a short statement Sunday, basically reiterating one they made earlier this month: “Regarding today’s ESPN report, we stand by our statement issued on Jan. 6 regarding Calvin.”
That Jan. 6 statement said: “We obviously have profound respect for Calvin and certainly understand and appreciate his decision to give proper thought and consideration to his football future.”
Johnson played in all 16 games this season, catching 88 passes for 1,214 yards and nine touchdowns. It was his sixth consecutive 1,000-yard season and the seventh of his career.
The No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 draft, Johnson had his best year in 2012, when he set the NFL single-season record with 1,964 receiving yards. He is the Lions’ all-time franchise leader in career receptions (731) and receiving yards (11,619).