Detroit's Calvin Johnson could have played his last snap in the NFL
Wednesday 6 January 2016 21:12, UK
Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson is contemplating retirement after nine punishing years in the NFL.
The 30-year-old, widely known as 'Megatron', battled a series of injuries last season but still managed to catch 88 passes for 1,214 yards and nine touchdowns.
Johnson is scheduled to make $16m (£11m) next season and has four years left on the seven-year $113.45m (£77m) contract he signed before the 2013 season.
He has amassed 11,619 receiving yards and scored 83 touchdowns in his career, but rumours about his future started after that 83rd score in Sunday's 24-20 win over the Chicago Bears.
Johnson made sure he kept hold of the football after his third quarter touchdown, and he shared what appeared to be some emotional words with quarterback Matthew Stafford soon after.
"Like many players at this stage of their career, I am currently evaluating options for my future," Johnson said on Wednesday in a statement released by the NFC North franchise.
"I would expect to have a decision regarding this matter in the not-too-distant future."
A further statement from the Lions read: "We obviously have profound respect for Calvin and certainly understand and appreciate his decision to give proper thought and consideration to his football future."
