It’s been a little more than a year since former Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson announced his retirement from the NFL. But, that has not stopped him from discussing some of his past experiences with his former team. Unfortunately, many have been negative.
He was at it again recently, speaking to media in Italy.
“I thought about (changing teams), but it’s not quite like that in football,” Johnson admitted referencing NBA free agency, (h/t Max DeMara of det.247sports.com). “I was stuck in my contract with Detroit, and they told me they would not release my contract so I would come back to them.”
Johnson continued.
“I did not see a chance for them to win a Super Bowl at the time. For the work that I was putting in, it wasn’t worth my time to keep on beating my head against the wall and not going anywhere. It’s the definition of insanity.”
Up against a rock and a hard place, Johnson had to quit.
Regarding seeing a Super Bowl at all in the Lions future, Johnson said “at some point they got to make it.”
“Some point” could come soon, or in several years from now. Johnson had the honor of playing in the postseason just twice during his nine years with the Lions. The team unfortunately cannot seem to get past the wild card round, as demonstrated by its 2016 campaign.
As for Johnson, he retired with many achievements, including becoming the franchise’s all-time leading receiver. Unfortunately, for all of his hard work, a Super Bowl was just not in the cards.