Last offseason saw a future Hall of Fame player retire in the prime of his career when former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis walked away from the game at the age of 30.
While we have no idea whether Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson will follow suit here, it seems that he is seriously considering retirement.
In a press release from the Lions on Wednesday, Johnson had this to say:
“Like many players at this stage of their career, I am currently evaluating options for my future. I would expect to have a decision on this matter in the not-so-distant future.”
Under contract for 2016, we can assume that Johnson is talking about retirement here. If so, there will be many people shocked about this around the NFL world.
However, this shouldn’t be too surprising in the grand scheme of things. Johnson, 30, has faced multiple bumps and bruises during what has been an amazing nine-year career.
Having already earned $113 million in NFL contracts during his career, Johnson is obviously financially secure.
The continued questions about long-term health issues relating to playing football could also play a role here. At which point does a player say enough is enough? At 30 years old, Johnson is at least considering this question.
Johnson put up 88 receptions for 1,214 yards and nine touchdowns this past season for the Lions. He was a first-round pick back in 2007.