Detroit Lions star wide receiver Calvin Johnson is retiring from the NFL.
A statement from the Detroit Lions says Johnson is retiring “effective immediately” and the contract situation with the NFL has been settled with the team saying, “matters were settled to the satisfaction of the parties.”
Johnson released a lengthy statement saying in part:
And finally, to the fans of Detroit and Michigan. I so appreciated your passionate support over the years and truly enjoyed playing for you. I loved playing in Detroit and will forever be a Lion. My biggest regret is that I wasn’t able to help give our fans a championship. But I do believe the future of the Lions is bright and with the leadership from people like Rod Wood and Bob Quinn, who I have gotten to know over the past few months, I am confident that our fans will soon be rewarded with the championship you deserve.
Rumors have been swirling since the end of the season that the former Georgia Tech star would be calling it quits at the end of the seasons, and now Johnson has officially made his decision. (VIDEO: Calvin Johnson Has Reportedly Told The Lions He’s Retiring)
Johnson finished his legendary career with over 11,000 receiving yards and 83 touchdowns.