5 reasons Calvin Johnson should hang it up

6 of 6

Dec 27, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) takes the field before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

1. He has minimal career gains ahead

Like Barry Sanders before him in Detroit, Calvin Johnson has left a legacy in the league and with the Detroit Lions. He was virtually impossible to cover and did things on the football field that had people losing their minds over.

He was the human highlight reel at the wide receiver position, much like Sanders at running back for the Lions. While the team only had two playoff appearances with Johnson, he will always be beloved for his loyal nature and his commitment to the team.

He was there for the darkest of times when the team went 0-16. He was also there for the high moments, when the team went to the playoffs twice. Detroit has struggled to make the playoffs consistently, but Johnson is one of the big reasons that they have had a chance to compete for that chance to get there.

He elevated everyone else on the team with his passion and energy on the field. He took the league by storm and was the most feared wide receiver in the game. He left records that will be hard to break and more importantly he was an important member in a community that needed him.

Not all athletes need a championship ring to tell their story and Johnson is one of those athletes.

Home/Detroit Lions