History has repeated itself for the Detroit Lions franchise.
Just shy of 17 years since Lions Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders retired from the NFL at the age of 31, another future Canton candidate has hung up his cleats during the prime of his career.
Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson officially retired from the NFL on Tuesday morning. He released the following statement shortly after informing the Lions of his decision:
In advance of the new League year beginning at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 9, Johnson filed his retirement papers to the NFL.