UPDATED: Calvin Johnson, Best Receiver in Detroit Lions History, Retires from NFL

This story has been updated.

ALLEN PARK, MI – Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who for the past nine seasons established himself as one of the greatest wide receivers in National Football League history, announced his retirement from the NFL effective immediately.

Johnson also filed his retirement papers with the NFL Tuesday in advance of the new League year which begins at 4 p.m. ET Wednesday, March 9, the Detroit Lions said in a statement.

The Lions also announced, with respect to Johnson’s contract, that those “matters were settled to the satisfaction of the parties.”

Johnson, 30, is leaving the Lions and NFL on his own terms after suffering a series of injuries that have banged up his body. He retires as the best receiver in Lions history. He led the team this season 1,214 yards receiving, the 10th best record in the NFL this year.

No player in history has matched his record. His best season was in 2012, when he caught 112 passes for an NFL-record 1,964 yards and 16 touchdowns.

A six-time Pro Bowler, the 6-foot, 5-inch, 235-pound receiver was drafted by Detroit in 2007 from Georgia Tech. NFL teams quickly realized that one player alone couldn’t defend him.

Johnson said in early January that he was considering his options after knee, ankle and finger injuries over the past four seasons. He played his last eight weeks with the Lions with an ankle injury, ESPN said.

"Very few people have achieved the kind of excellence that he has in terms of his playing career," Lions coach Jim Caldwell said last season. "I mean, he's been incredible and the numbers keep stacking up and it's because of the fact that he's one of those guys that makes plays week-in and week-out, year-in and year-out and it's consistent.

"A lot of guys that you've seen, if you take a look, they've had a great game and maybe never have a great game again or they've had a great eight-game stretch or they've maybe had a great year. But very few people can stack them on top of one another year after year after year after year. He's one of those guys.”

Johnson leaves the game as a six-time Pro Bowler. He was also named to the All-Pro First Team three times.

Detroit drafted Johnson with the second overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft out of Georgia Tech. His 6-foot-5, 235-pound frame, with sub-4.4 speed, quickly transcended the game. He earned the nickname “Megatron” for his freakish athletic skills. Defensive coordinators around the league soon learned that just one player couldn’t defend him.

Johnson’s best season came in 2012 when he caught 122 passes for an NFL-record 1,964 yards and 16 touchdowns.

In a statement, Johnson apologized for not making the announcement in person, but said those close to him would understand and not be surprised that he chose not to have a press conference. He said:

“After much prayer, thought and discussion with loved ones, I have made the difficult decision to retire from the Lions and pro football. I have played my last game of football.”

“Let me assure you that this was not an easy or hasty decision. As I stated, I, along with those closest to me, have put a lot of time, deliberation and prayer into this decision and I truly am at peace with it.

“I also want you to know that I have the utmost respect and admiration for the game of football. It has provided so much for me and my family and I will be forever grateful to the game.

“With the reality of my decision, I realize there are a lot of people I would like to thank. I must start with my family – thank you for all your love and support.

“I also want to especially thank Mrs. Ford and the Ford Family for all their support over the years. They are tremendous owners and I loved playing for them. I would also like to recognize Mr. Ford, who I was honored to know and play for before he passed away.

“While it would be hard to name them all, I would also like to thank all of my teammates past and present.

“I also want to thank all of my coaches who I played for, in particular Coach Caldwell for his support, wisdom and guidance over the past two seasons. I loved playing for Coach Caldwell.

“There are so many other people I would like to recognize and thank for what they have done for me throughout my career, but rather than risk forgetting someone, I will simply say ‘thanks’ to everyone.

“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.”

» Photo via Wikimedia / Creative Commons