The losing culture in Detroit made it easy for Barry Sanders to bow out after the 1998 season. Now, Calvin Johnson is looking to do the same.
The WR released a joint statement with the Lions on Wednesday, saying he is evaluating his playing future.
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"Like many players at this stage of their career, I am currently evaluating options for my future," Johnson said, per Detroit Free Press. "I would expect to have a decision regarding this matter in the not-too-distant future."
The Lions added: "We obviously have profound respect for Calvin and certainly understand and appreciate his decision to give proper thought and consideration to his football future."
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The wear and tear of the NFL -- which forced him to miss large amounts of practice time for a second consecutive season -- is proving to be too much for the 30-year-old.
"There has been some conversations about [retirement], not asking me how it is," said one former teammate who asked to remain anonymous because of the personal nature of his talks with Johnson. "But I think the guy's beat up. I think he's been through enough. And I think it's just his time. He's made the money, got the records, but whatever.
"I don't know for sure if he's going to do it. I don't know if he's going to get that itch to keep going. I really don't know."
This is the moment where Calvin Johnson realized he couldn't be apart of this franchise anymore https://t.co/bZ82WCxgM4
— Jamie Henry (@The2nd_JEH) January 6, 2016
Much like Sanders -- who finished with a 1-5 record in the postseason -- Johnson spent most of his NFL career on the wrong side of victories. The Lions finished under .500 in seven of his nine seasons. Even the two winning seasons culminated in wild card losses (Saints 2011, Cowboys 2014).
It's hard enough to find the motivation to play when all you've ever tasted is defeat. It's even harder when your body refuses to take it.
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Calvin Johnson talks about #Lions' future, his health and more: https://t.co/ZVbfLIs2DX. https://t.co/efZNueIiP0
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 30, 2015
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