Lions WR Calvin Johnson Retires After Nine Seasons

Calvin Johnson, wide receiver for the Detroit Lions, has retired, the team announced on Tuesday.

Lions WR Calvin Johnson Retires After Nine Seasons

“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, played his entire nine-year career in Detroit, led the league in receiving yards twice, and played in six Pro Bowls. 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.

“Let me assure you that this was not an easy or hasty decision,” Johnson added. “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.” He chose to announce his retirement via a statement, rather than holding a press conference.

Johnson, who was been nicknamed ‘Megatron’ by his teammates, was selected by the Lions second overall in 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.

He finishes his career with seven 1,000-yard receiving seasons.His other records with the Lions include most career receptions (731), career receiving yards (11,619), receiving yards in a season (1,964), receiving yards in a game (329), career receiving touchdowns (83) and receiving touchdowns in a season (16). Many, including Lions and Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice, tweeted in response to Johnson’s announcement Tuesday afternoon:

Caption: DETROIT, MI – NOVEMBER 26: Calvin Johnson #81 of the Detroit Lions catches a third quarter touchdown pass in front of Malcolm Jenkins #27 of the Philadelphia Eagles at Ford Field on November 26, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)