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Calvin Johnson officially announced his retirement on March 8, leaving behind a large legacy for a player calling it quits at only 30 years old.
In nine NFL seasons, Johnson compiled 731 receptions (43rd all-time), 11,619 receiving yards (27th) and 83 receiving touchdowns (22nd). He sits second all-time among wideouts with 86.1 yards per game -- behind only Julio Jones -- and owns the single-season record for receiving yards (1,964 in 2012).
"Megatron" was a six-time Pro Bowler, seven-time 1,000-yard receiver, and the fastest player in NFL history to reach 10,000 receiving yards. He holds nearly every Detroit Lions' record for a WR as the all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.
But Calvin's legacy isn't limited to his production. The Georgia Tech standout was humble and hard-working. He was known as a leader, stayed out of trouble and he always played the game harder than everyone else on the field. His character is best exemplified by his decision to return a portion of his signing bonus to the Lions in an effort to help them free up salary cap space.
Unfortunately for the team he leaves behind, Megatron creates a void that is nearly impossible to fill. The Lions have already signed former Bengals wideout Marvin Jones, and will likely grab another early in the draft, but they will certainly feel the ill effects of Johnson's absence for years to come.
Johnson might still have more great years in him, but he decided to go out on top, in one piece. Reports have said that Johnson's body "couldn't hold up anymore," which makes sense given the beating he has taken for nine years now-- even though he did play all 16 games last season. Regardless of whether or not he had anything left to give on the field, there is a sense of respect that comes along with ending things on your own terms. With cases of CTE popping up among retired NFL players, more are choosing to end their careers early, hoping to avoid the consequences. Fellow Detroit Lion Barry Sanders, San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis and Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch -- who also retired this offseason -- are three other notable players to cut their own careers short before suffering a major injury.
Johnson joins Lynch, Peyton Manning, Charles Woodson, Jared Allen, Logan Mankins and Heath Miller in a loaded class of potential 2021 Hall of Fame candidates. Whether or not Johnson gets in on the first try, there's no doubt that his career will rest in a gold jacket.
The legacy Johnson leaves behind -- to the Detriot Lions, to the NFL and to the fans -- is that of a superstar, a workhorse, a Hall of Famer, a leader, a security blanket, a role model and a man who was well-liked by seemingly everyone but the cornerbacks -- sometimes two or three at a time -- tasked with trying to contain the 6'5", 236 lb decepticon that caught everything thrown his way. Not even the lack of postseason success could tarnish such a decorated career.
Calvin Johnson was one of the most exciting players to watch for the better part of the last decade, and his presence on the gridiron will be greatly missed by the entire football world.
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