There was no high profile press conference with the media in attendance as Calvin Johnson announced that he would no longer be playing pro football.
The man known as 'Megatron' released an official statement on the Detroit Lions website as he stated that he would join Peyton Manning in calling it a day at the end of the NFL season.
"Let me begin by apologizing for making this announcement via a statement and not in person," wrote Johnson. "While I truly respect the significance of this, those who know me best will understand and not be surprised that I choose not to have a press conference for this announcement.
"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".
He emphasised that he had put a lot of deliberation into the decision and that "I am truly at peace with it".
Johnson went on to thank the Ford family, who own the franchise, as well as teammates and coaches that he had worked with over the years.
He also made special mention of the Detroit fans, stating that "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 that "I am confident that our fans will soon be rewarded with the championship you deserve".
Johnson leaves the game with a number of NFL records to his name including the most career games with 200+ receiving yards and the most receiving yards in a single season.
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