ESPN: Calvin Johnson Retiring From The NFL

DETROIT (WWJ) - The much-rumored scenario is now allegedly true: Detroit Lions' wide receiver Calvin Johnson is calling it quits in the NFL according to ESPN.

Social media buzz hit Sunday afternoon with reports of Johnson telling head coach Jim Caldwell that the 2015 season was his last. High-placed sources are saying he will not be returning to the sport.

On Jan. 5, The Ticket's Terry Foster predicted this would happen, based on conversations with someone close to the football superstar. Foster wrote:

I found it interesting that Calvin Johnson grabbed the ball following his touchdown during the season finale against the Chicago Bears.

It was his 83rd touchdown pass, so it was not a historic grab. The Lions are not making the playoffs so it was not a big grab.

But Johnson insisted on having that ball when he ran off the field during the Lions 24-20 victory in Chicago.

While the Detroit Lions have not confirmed Johnson's plan not to return -- it appears that Calvin has made his mind up.

Just days ago - it was reported that the Lions might give Johnson a proposal that could both be a blessing for the team or a poison pill inside the dressing room, allowing him to return home between games to rest and relax. Possibly a last-ditch effort to keep him on the team, it's apparently not to be.

Johnson was drafted by the Lions second overall in 2007. His nine seasons in the NFL have taken a toll on Johnson and according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Johnson told family before the start of last season that this would be his last.

Stay tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 and 97.1 The Ticket for more on this developing story.

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• Detroit Lions
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• Calvin Johnson