Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson is walking away from the NFL and into retirement at age 30.
Johnson informed the Lions on Tuesday, one day before his $24 million salary cap charge would have gone on the 2016 ledger for Detroit, he was ready to retire.
“After much prayer, thought and discussion with loved ones, I have made the difficult decision to retire from the Lions and pro football. I have played my last game of football,” Johnson said in a prepared statement, adding that he would not hold a press conference about his retirement. “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. 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.”
While the Lions gain $11.1 million in cap space with move, they subtract a vital cog to the offense.
The Lions announced that the two sides settled contractual issues, but no details were immediately available on the settlement. Johnson made $107 million in football salary and bonuses with the Lions.
“A harsh reality of our business is that great players like Calvin Johnson do retire and we all understand that no one player could ever replace Calvin,” general manager Bob Quinn said Tuesday. “But rather than dwell on that reality, we should, instead, truly appreciate what a remarkable talent we have had the privilege of watching.”
Losing a star seemingly in his physical prime is not new to Detroit sports fans. Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders walked away at age 31.
Johnson spent nine years in the NFL after entering the league as a first-round pick out of Georgia Tech.
Johnson told Lions coach Jim Caldwell the day after the 2015 season that it had been his final campaign. Caldwell asked Johnson to take his time to think about the finality of the decision before making it official.
Johnson previously told quarterback Matthew Stafford and linebacker Stephen Tulloch of his plans and both players agreed to keep it confidential.
The Lions were hopeful Johnson might change his mind.
Johnson released a statement after the season when it became public knowledge that he was considering retirement and consulted with head coach Jim Caldwell and members of the front office.
“He truly is one of the most remarkable people I’ve ever met and I have as much respect for him as anyone I know. Calvin’s character, integrity, selflessness and humility are unmatched. His exemplary work ethic and approach to the game of football made everyone around him better,” Caldwell said. “And while we will undoubtedly miss Calvin on the field, I am at peace with his decision knowing he arrived at it with a lot of thought, consultation and prayer.”
Johnson has caught 731 passes for 11,619 yards and 83 touchdowns in nine NFL seasons. He set career highs for receptions (122) and yardage (1,964) in 2012 and made a career-best 16 touchdown receptions in 2011.
Johnson caught 88 passes for 1,214 yards and nine touchdowns in 2015.
Foot and ankle injuries became a chronic issue for Johnson, who rarely practiced until late in the week because of those limitations.
Quinn said the Lions would be shoppers in free agency regardless of Johnson’s decision. The Lions have many needs, starting with the offensive line and defensive line.