OT: Calvin Johnson tells Jim Caldwell that 2015 was his last season

Submitted by Mr. Yost on

Welp.

It's "per Schefty," however it's also scrolling across the ESPN Bottom Line right now.

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Formerly Yoda

January 31st, 2016 at 6:59 PM ^

many of these top columnist/talking heads share the same agencies as the athletes they break these stories on. that's where a lot of the "leaks" come from. it's good for business.

i agree the local guys are hacks tho.

Joined: 01/13/2016

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LSAClassOf2000

January 31st, 2016 at 6:27 PM ^

There are a couple stories out there that indicate that Stafford and Tulloch actually knew Johnson's thoughts on the matter sometime beforehand but he chose not to finalize the decision until now. In any event, I will definitely miss him as a fan, the team will miss him as a player definitely - I have to think that part of the move, perhaps most of it, is a self-preservation one, which obviously is a very good reason. 

I believe that means he leaves the game in the Top 30 in touchdown catches and reception yards, so not a bad nine years at all for Megatron. 

Joined: 01/07/2011

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UofM626

January 31st, 2016 at 6:33 PM ^

He has been paid very very well and a lot better the Sanders, if he chooses to leave that's on him, he's not even a RB and he doesn't take hardly any punishment like other positions. The Lions did him right w money, the contract etc. if he retires its on him and I don't blame the Lions for this one At all, he's just frustrated w not winning IMO and the fact he can't separate anymore from the bigger DB's it's starting to show. Go if u wanna go but don't blame a organization that gave him a shit load of money to make him happy

Joined: 01/02/2012

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cp4three2

January 31st, 2016 at 6:33 PM ^

How many first ballot hall of famers need cut their careers short on purpose before people stop giving a damn and stop giving the worst owners in sports their money?



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Joined: 08/03/2009

MGoPoints: 4828

xtramelanin

January 31st, 2016 at 6:39 PM ^

and calvin is the GOAT at his position.  no player had his combination of size, speed, power, route precision, leaping ability, preparation, toughness, and intellect.   if he had played for a team that was alot more like the harlem globetrotters than the washington generals he would own every record in the book and have rings on his fingers.  unbelieveable that the lions have now done this to two players. 

i remember when calvin was breaking jerry rice's records a few years back and rice couldn't have been less gracious in his comments.  rice played with a virtual HOF team on both sides of the ball.

Joined: 12/09/2014

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Yessir

January 31st, 2016 at 6:57 PM ^

Thanks for taking all those hits CJ!  Tremendous talent.

Can't blame him for walking away while he's healthy. 

Ok Quinn, now do something good with that cap space.

Joined: 12/22/2015

MGoPoints: 7270

JD73

January 31st, 2016 at 7:13 PM ^

Calvin's retirement is about the most damning indictment possible of a professional sports team.  Combined with Barry Sander's retirement, we have instances in which two of the most accomplished football players in the history of the sport quit the game -- and gave up millions of dollars and potential football records -- rather than continue playing for a franchise that offered no hope whatsoever of achieving success.  Shame on the Ford family.

Joined: 03/10/2013

MGoPoints: 144

MGoblu8

January 31st, 2016 at 7:27 PM ^

As much as I love the Lions,
I hate the Lions. Being a Lions fan seems like one nut punch after another. My question is: What will it take to make it stop?

Joined: 08/19/2010

MGoPoints: 7373

Hotel Putingrad

January 31st, 2016 at 7:42 PM ^

this is completely different from Barry's situation. Calvin is retiring because his body hurts. He just got married, he has banked $100M, and it's simply not worth the physical grind anymore. The man had a great career, was pure class, and should be celebrated accordingly. But life goes on, and I'm excited to see how Quinn reshapes the roster.

Joined: 12/10/2014

MGoPoints: 212359

allintime23

January 31st, 2016 at 7:55 PM ^

Can't really blame him. The lions are the worst franchise in professional sports. They'll never win and their quarterback is horrid. Johnson was amazing, too bad he never had a shot.

Joined: 09/21/2009

MGoPoints: 15225

bronxblue

January 31st, 2016 at 8:59 PM ^

Probably the best move for him if he doesn't want to wind up suffering further injuries over the years.  He seems like a content, happy guy, and he's made so much money I'm sure he'll be fine.  It's sad it didn't work out in Detroit, but that's life I guess.

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