Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson is apparently considering retirement. Johnson, 30, and the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 draft, has put up hall of fame numbers in the Motor City during his nine seasons.
But a string of recent injuries has made the future Hall of Fame receiver think about life after football.
Johnson released a statement through the Lions regarding his possible retirement:
“Like many players at this stage of their career, I am currently evaluating options for my future,” Johnson said. “I would expect to have a decision regarding this matter in the not-too-distant future.”
Even though injuries have bothered the 6-foot-5, 240 pound speedster the past few seasons, he has still been highly productive.
He just finished off his sixth consecutive 1,000 yard receiving season, and torched the Bears with 10 catches for 137 yards and a touchdown in the Lions’ season finale.
He is still a guy you have to double team. He typically destroys single coverages, as the Bears foolishly tried last weekend.
Johnson talking about his long term health is something I think we are going to hear a lot of from many players from this point on.
The movie ‘Concussion’ has been a sobering reminder to players of the brutality of the National Football League.
Going forward, there are going to be more players like Johnson, who consider retiring earlier because of the long term health risks of the sport.
As Dr. Bennet Olamu, who described Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease brought on by constant blows to the head that has effected many former NFL players, said: ‘The human body is not made to play football.”
I get a feeling that players, especially star players like Johnson, who are financially secure, are going to look at the health risk beyond football.
Even before the movie was released, Chris Borland an outstanding young linebacker, retired from the San Francisco 49ers after his rookie season in 2014. He felt the dangers of playing football were simply too great.
“I just honestly want to do what’s best for my health,” said Borland, speaking on ESPN’s “Outside the Lines,” In March of 2015. “From what I’ve researched (brain injuries) and what I’ve experienced, I don’t think it’s worth the risk.”
And while players have been better educated on brain injuries, the visual power of the movie may move some players to be even more cognizant of the potentially lethal ramifications of this game we all love.
Yes, professional football players are paid very well to play this brutal sport. However, they also pay a heavy price with their bodies.
Borland, and perhaps Johnson, could be the start of a new trend of NFL players who cut their careers short, in order to live longer, healthier, lives. I can see a day very soon when the news of a star retiring at from the NFL at 30 won’t be big news. Linked are highlights of Megatron doing his thing. Also note as you watch the pounding he gives defenders, and takes. He is one of the most physical wide receivers ever.
