One of the NFL’s greatest receivers is saying goodbye.
The Detroit Lions announced Tuesday that Calvin Johnson is retiring after nine seasons.
Johnson, 30, acknowledged earlier in the offseason he was considering walking away after battling injuries in recent years.
“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.
“Let me assure you that this was not an easy or hasty decision. 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."
The six-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time first team all-pro finishes his career with 83 touchdowns and 11,619 yards on 731 catches, including 122 receptions for a record 1,964 yards in 2012.
Johnson and fellow Lions legend Barry Sanders each played their final game for the franchise at the age of 30. Sanders walked away from the game on the eve of training camp in 1998.
The Lions said Johnson has already filed his retirement papers and contractual matters “were settled to the satisfaction of the parties” – likely referring to the potential recouping of bonus money.
Johnson was due $15.95 million in 2016 with a cap number of a little over $24 million. He has $12.921 million in dead money that will count against the Lions’ cap for a savings of around $11 million.
