Why Calvin Johnson won’t return to the NFL no matter how hard teams try

Wide receiver Calvin Johnson is the latest name to live in the NFL’s alternate universe. In this space, 32-year-old retirees that haven’t seen the field in two years are still up for grabs and the Detroit Lions have fielded trade offers.

The NFL’s trade deadline is looming. Teams that need an injection of true playmaker are scratching their heads to figure something out before the clock strikes midnight on Tuesday. NFL guru Adam Schefter reported for ESPN that two teams have thrown out trade feelers to the Detroit Lions regarding Calvin Johnson’s availability.

The Lions’ reported stance is that if an interested party can make it work for Johnson, they can talk about a trade.

The problem is that Calvin Johnson’s career is a wrap.

At the time of his retirement, Johnson provided key insight to the Detroit Free Press as to why he walked away from the game.

"“I know everybody wants to know why I retired, but it’s more so, I put a lot into the game and it’s taken a lot out of me and that’s where I’m at right now,” Johnson said. “I’m not going to get into the specifics of the things that I feel it’s taken away, but it definitely feels good, I guess I can say for myself, to spend more time around the family, my son, I just got married. So things are going good right now.”"

In short, this quote points to him assertively stating that he’s choosing his family over football. It’s been repeatedly said that NFL stars have to keep football as their primary focus to maintain their hunger.

He also stated that his body just isn’t having it anymore.

"“My finger’s jacked,” Johnson said. “I mean, I’m beat up. After you play that long you’re going to be beat up so it’s just a time where you are content with what you did and I’m content with what I did so far. “"

At that time he stated that the Lions losing ways not the key factor in his decision.

"“Nah,” he said. “Simply – I wouldn’t just quit because we were losing. It was just body. I was just tired of it, fed up. Just had enough.”"

Johnson’s last act as a NFL player was not easy to watch. Injuries to every sector of his body rendered him a shell of his former self.

The Megatron persona, for all intents and purposes, was dead and buried. So much so that Johnson reportedly knew going into the 2015 campaign that it was likely his last run.

When he left the game, Johnson held significant NFL and franchise records. He has told anyone that will listen that he’s not coming back.

In a separate interview with Business Insider, Johnson expressed in July that he does have issues with the Lions.

"“I didn’t see the chance for them to win a Super Bowl at the time, and for the work I was putting in, it wasn’t worth my time to keep on beating my head against the wall and not going anywhere,” he said. “It’s the definition of insanity.”"

Statements such as these provide slivers of hope for the pair of clubs that have their fingers crossed that the six-time Pro Bowler will be willing to have another go at it.

Johnson was always known for both his mental and physical strength.  His decision to leave was not a knee-jerk reaction to a bad situation and a few injuries.

He thought long and hard about it and seems quite comfortable in retirement.

must read: 30 Best NFL Receivers of All-Time

Don’t expect to witness his scene-stealing grabs ever again.