When Calvin Johnson announced at the end of the season he was contemplating retirement, it came as a shock to many football fans that the 30-year-old receiver could be on the verge of hanging up his cleats. At the time Johnson said he would make a decision in the "not-too-distant future", but things have been quiet since.
Now ESPN's Adam Schefter has reported that during the Season Johnson told those close to him that 2015 would be his last season and that was reiterated when he told Lions' coach Jim Caldwell a day later he planned to retire.
Johnson has battled lower-body injuries in recent seasons and while there has been some noticeable decline. Johnson, the four-time All-Pro receiver, posted 1,214 yards and nine touchdowns in 16 games last season. Caldwell gave Johnson time to make a decision, but Schefter's report seems a strong indication that Johnson will retire.
Set to make $16 million this season, Johnson remains a core part of the Lions' offense despite the large cap number. If 2015 was Johnson's last season, he will finish as one of the all-time greats. Nine seasons in, Johnson has posted 731 receptions, 11,619 receiving yards and 83 touchdowns.