According to Schefter, Johnson informed family and close friends prior to the 2015 season it would be his last in the league.
Johnson allegedly shared his decision with quarterback Matthew Stafford and linebacker Stephen Tulloch long before he told the team's power structure.
According to multiple scores, Johnson is very content on his decision and it doesn't seem like he will change his mind.
New general manager Bob Quinn told reporters last week at the Senior Bowl that he still had not spoken to Johnson and had no update on his status from when he first took the Lions' job. Still, he wouldn't be the first Lions superstar to retire early while still near the top of his game. The pass was ruled incomplete, the Lions went on to lose the game 19-14, and one of the most confusing rules in National Football League history had a new name: the "Calvin Johnson Rule". In Sanders final season he rushed for 1,491 yards.
A number of teammates acknowledged Johnson through social media. I would much rather be matched up in coverage against Brown or Reed than Johnson. Most think the mental aspect of playing for the Lions organization has taken a major toll. It just speaks to his greatness as a player. The sources added that Johnson agreed to follow the advice of Caldwell out of respect to the coach.
While this is obviously a devastating blow to the Lions and their fan base, it could in reality be a blessing in disguise. If he retires, the Lions will have $12.9 million of his salary on their cap in dead money. Unlike guys like Michael Irvin and Cris Carter, there is nothing negative in his past on or off the field.
In short, Megatron was a monster. Cook also said Johnson is "tired" after another season, one in which he played through an ankle injury the second half of the year. Treadwell isn't in the same class as Buffalo Bills youngster Sammy Watkins but, at 6-feet-2 and 210 pounds, he's a big body who can be a downfield threat. Despite being so massive he ran a 4.35 40-yard dash.
The Lions released a second statement Sunday night.
Remember, he is still 27th all-time in receiving yards and 22nd all-time in touchdown receptions - impressive numbers relative to his time, but lesser when compared to other greats. With his awesome size and physicality, I projected Johnson as the type of receiver that would slowly fade away rather than falling off a cliff in terms of productions. The attention he got from defenses freed up his teammates. I applaud his decision to prepare for the future and make the best choice for his longterm health.
Eric Ebron's development as a player should counteract the loss of Johnson, however, he would be even better with him on the outside. He's not a player who necessarily cares about personal accolades. He's a five time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro, rushing for at least 1200 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2011 through the 2014 seasons. So assuming Johnson is gone, what is his legacy and where does he go down among the greatest wide receivers in National Football League history?
There's no doubt that Johnson is still at the peak of his game. Henry Ellard (13,777 yards) and Torry Holt (13,382) top Johnson and they didn't make the list of 15 finalists for this year's Hall. So many great battles!
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