Megatron goes Barry Sanders on the Detriot Lions
Not since running back Barry Sanders have the Detroit Lions had a player the caliber of Calvin Johnson, aka “Megatron.” Sanders put it all on the line for Lions but the Lions never truly put it on the line for him. He set his share of records being the only guy on his offense that could give the team big-time production.
But Sanders was more interested in winning, growing frustrated over what the Lions put around him. So seemingly on the verge of breaking the NFL’s all-time leading rusher record, he retired. Coming off of a 1,400-yard season and two years removed from a 2,000-yards season, he had plenty left in the tank.
And here we are almost 20 years later as the Lions are going through it with receiver Calvin Johnson. Johnson made his assault on the NFL record books in 2012, setting the single-season receiving yards record with 1,964. Over his 9-year career, he accumulated 731 catches for 11,619 yards and had 83 touchdowns.
Who knows what he could have done had he kept playing?
But that’s not enough as Johnson only played on to winning teams and went to the playoffs twice. That’s seven out of nine season in the NFL being losing seasons, making his individual accomplishments feel like their all for not. And of course, the injuries to his fingers and ankles of late didn’t help.
In a press release, Johnson said, “I have played my last game of football. Let me assure you that this was not an easy or hasty decision. As I stated, I, along with those closest to me, have put a lot of time, deliberation and prayer into this decision and I truly am at peace with it.
“I also want you to know that I have the utmost respect and admiration for the game of football. It has provided so much for me and my family and I will be forever grateful to the game.”
Johnson left hints that this may happen at the end of the 2015 season so it wasn’t the abrupt retirement Sander left with.
But do you believe this would have happened of the Lions had been winning throughout his career?