Calvin Johnson Reportedly Tells Detroit Lions He's Retiring

Over the years, Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson has proven to be one of the most dominant players in the game, and there’s a good chance he will go down as a Hall-of-Famer when the time is right. Unfortunately for the Lions, that time may come earlier than expected, as reports are beginning to surface regarding Johnson’s plans to call it a career.

Calvin Johnson told family 2015 would be his final year and delivered same message to Jim Caldwell after season ended, sources told ESPN.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 31, 2016

Important to note: Caldwell told Calvin Johnson not to rush decision, to take time. Out of respect to Caldwell, Johnson agreed to do that.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 31, 2016

If Johnson does decide to retire after nine seasons, it would be a major blow to Detroit’s offense. Not only does Johnson have 29 touchdown catches over the last three seasons, he’s only failed to reach the 1,000-yard mark twice in his career (last time in 2009, when he came 16 yards shy of the mark). The star also managed to set the single-season record of 1,964 receiving yards in 2012.

Detroit was already coming off a disappointing 2015 season in which they finished with a 7-9 record; if Johnson sticks to his word and leaves the game, the Lions would be in even more trouble heading into next season.