Any fantasy football GM in a keeper league is kicking himself right now if he put his stock in Calvin Johnson, given the sudden news of Megatron’s retirement. But could you blame him?
Megatron was never really on a team built to compete at the elite level, so it’s a bit of a tragedy to see such a talent walk away from the game without ever getting his hands on the ultimate prize. But when you look at his stats and accolades, it’s pretty much a given No. 81 will end up with a nice bust in Canton someday.
At just 30-years old, Calvin Johnson retires as the Lions’ all-time leader in receptions (731), receiving yards (11,619), receiving touchdowns (83) and most 100-yard receiving games (46). Astonishing. He also set a franchise record by catching a reception in the most consecutive games (135), which even more impressively, is every game he ever suited up for with the Lions.
Johnson is the only player in Detroit’s history to reach 700 receptions, 10,000 receiving yards and 70 receiving touchdowns. His 84 total touchdowns, which includes one rushing, are the second-most in team history…behind, you guessed it, Barry Sanders, who walked away from the game in a similar fashion as Johnson did on Tuesday.
Johnson retires having been selected to six Pro Bowls, and holds the NFL Record for most receiving yards in a season (1,964 in 2012) after breaking Hall of Fame WR Jerry Rice’s record of 1,848 yards set in 1988. From the time he entered the NFL in 2007, he caught more touchdowns (83) and gained more yards (11,619) than any other player through 2015.
Not bad company at all.It was a good run, Calvin.
[via Detroit Lions]