Former Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson retired at the age of 30 last year after a phenomenal nine season career. Some are of the opinion that Johnson left the sport too early.
Johnson recently opened up in more depth about his decision to retire.
“It just got to the point where I tipped over the scale. The pain and energy wasn’t fun anymore, just to battle. I got a messed-up finger that keeps on getting smaller by the year the more I use it. It’s bone on bone.
“I was able to do well for myself, make a statement in the league. I had a heck of a time doing it, but at the end of the day, it’s about me and my family and being comfortable and being fun. And it wasn’t,” Johnson said per Kyle Meinke of mlive.com.
Johnson’s philosophy is a simple one. If something is not fun anymore, why continue? Plenty of people switch careers midway through because the fun factor has disappeared.
Johnson made plenty of money — a total of $114 million — and wanted step away and spend time with his family. He would have also increased his chances for more serious injuries had he kept playing.
The future Hall of Fame receiver led the franchise with 11,619 receiving yards and a total of 83 touchdowns.
Despite Johnson’s absence last year, quarterback Matthew Stafford surpassed his passing yards from his 2015 season, which was Johnson’s last. The Lions also made the playoffs.
At the end of the day, life goes on for Johnson, who is a happy family man, and for the Lions, who will be just fine without him.