Calvin Johnson May Not Return For Another NFL Season
Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson revealed to his family and close friends that the 2015 – 2016 season will be his last NFL season. Johnson also told the same thing to coach Jim Caldwell following the end of the regular season.
Caldwell advised Johnson to take his time and not to rush his decision, according to sources. The sources added that Johnson agreed to follow the advice of Caldwell out of respect to the coach. While the Lions are still hoping Johnson will reconsider his decision, a person close to Johnson said the player is already contented with the decision.
Johnson played nine seasons in the NFL and the five-time Pro Bowler has suffered a number of injuries. Johnson is dealing with lingering ankle injuries along with overall body soreness, which would not make it easy for him to return next season. By next season, Johnson would be 31 years old.
The aches in the body of Calvin Johnson along with his determination were so strong that only two of his teammates knew of his decision to retire following the end of the 2015 season. The two teammates were Stephen Tulloch and Matthew Stafford. Johnson asked them to keep his decision to retire a secret.
Calvin Johnson May Not Return For Another NFL Season - image credit: en.wikipedia.org
The request was honored by the players and the rest of the team and organization only knew about it after the season ended. During this time, a statement from Johnson was issued by the Lions indicating that he was evaluating his future options and is expecting to make a decision soon. On the other hand, the Lions said the team respects Johnson and will understand his decision after he thinks about it and takes his future into account.
Another statement was released by the Lions after reports of the possible retirement of Calvin Johnson emerged. The organization said they stand by the statement they issued on January 6. However, unless one of the best players to wear the Detroit Lions uniform changes his mind, Johnson will not likely return for another season with Detroit.
A number of teammates acknowledged Johnson through social media. The past season saw Johnson playing all 16 games and had 88 receptions for a total of 1,214 yards along with 9 touchdowns. The season was his sixth straight 1,000-year season and the seventh in his entire career.
The best year of Calvin Johnson was in 2012 when he set a single-season record in the NFL with a total of 1,924 receiving yards. He is also the all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards in the Lions franchise with 731 and 11,619 yards, respectively.
I'm honored to have called you my teammate, one of the best to ever do it!! @calvinjohnsonjr… https://t.co/N3kqYz7F7q
— DIGGZ32 (@JamesIhedigbo) January 31, 2016
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