When Calvin Johnson retired in 2016, many were stunned that he was voluntarily walking away. But as USA TODAY Sports' Jarrett Bell wrote at the time, it was clear his body wasn't what it used to be - a not surprising thing to happen after nearly a decade in the league.
In a piece published on The Players' Tribune on Tuesday, Johnson said that was exactly why he didn't miss the game at all - even though he loved it.
"I love football. But it became difficult to love the game as much when I was in some sort of pain every day.