Report: Calvin Johnson is considering retiring from the NFL

Calvin Johnson, the Detroit Lions’ star wide receiver, is already considering retirement at the age of 30.

Always one of the hardest workers in the NFL, Calvin “Megatron” Johnson could already be calling it quits in the NFL. In speaking with Detroit Free Press, he cited the reason is because of wear-and-tear.

This season was the first time since 2012 that he has played in all 16 games. However, a lingering ankle injury caused Johnson to miss practice time which subsequently slowed down his production. This season, he only reached 100 receiving yards in a game twice.

One of his ex-teammates, who asked to remain anonymous, said this to Free Press regarding Megatron’s health status and his accomplishments on the field:

“I think the guy’s beat up. I think he’s been through enough. And I think it’s just his time. He’s made the money, got the records, but whatever. I don’t know for sure if he’s going to do it. I don’t know if he’s going to get that itch to keep going. I really don’t know.”

It’s tough to question a player like Johnson’s work ethic. He suffered an ankle injury against the Chiefs in Week 8 and, whether it was the right decision or not, continued to play through it. For seven of the last eight games that he played, he was listed as “Questionable” on the team’s injury report.

If Johnson retires, the Lions won’t have to worry about offering him a max contract. But that’s probably the last thing on their mind after they missed the playoffs and head into the offseason with lots of questions. This will be a fascinating story to watch going forward, especially in how the Lions can recover from Megatron’s potential loss.