OT: Excellent Calvin Johnson Article in SI
Just read this excellent article. How a franchise manages to get two all time greats to retire early is just insane. I had always hoped CJ would come back with a better franchise after a year or so. Seems like he did the right thing for himself though
https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/09/20/calvin-johnson-lions-big-interview?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=social-share-article&utm_content=20190920
September 20th, 2019 at 3:18 PM ^
In before inevitable Michael Rosenberg takes. Great piece.
September 20th, 2019 at 4:01 PM ^
I was about to post this article this morning, then I feared the Rosenberg repercussions, what with points counting again now.
September 20th, 2019 at 3:24 PM ^
The lie-downs organization is an utter DISGRACE - thank you ford family for this crap for the last 60+ years. BTW, I am sure Barry Sanders agrees completely.
September 20th, 2019 at 4:02 PM ^
Fun fact: William Clay Ford took ownership of the Lions on the same day JFK was assassinated. I go back and forth on which event was the greater tragedy.
September 20th, 2019 at 3:31 PM ^
I had just finished reading that when you posted this. That is one sad read (but well written) for a Lion's fan. I wasn't that shocked when he quit (unlike Barry - still not over that one), but really feel for the guy after reading that. What a waste job by the Lions. Lot's of disturbing stuff to read there about the last 10 years of management and coaching. It's pretty believable - as it's clear this isn't some angry ranting, just a man who did his thing at an elite level and could see it just wasn't worth it after a while. Good luck to him.
September 20th, 2019 at 3:33 PM ^
I still remember where I was when I heard the news that Barry had retired. It was so shocking! That the Lions had two generational talents and still couldn't put together a single playoff win (tbf they were robbed that one time) is just mind boggling.
September 20th, 2019 at 3:50 PM ^
Lions beat the Cowboys in 1991, Barry’s third season.
September 20th, 2019 at 5:23 PM ^
Barry Sanders is my all-time favorite NFL player. But I've always had a problem with the "retired too early" thing and I realize I'm in the minority. Sanders was entering his 11th season as a featured RB. He was coming off consecutive 340+ carry seasons, which doesn't bode well for longevity and health. His end was a lot closer than the beginning.
September 20th, 2019 at 7:06 PM ^
Yep. Barry was slowing down. Lost the long speed.
So was Calvin. Both retired while in decline, but at still elite levels.
September 20th, 2019 at 8:02 PM ^
Honestly I think at this point many people agree with you, especially considering health issues. Those two made a lot of money and hopefully by retiring early their bodies are in better shape.
September 20th, 2019 at 3:43 PM ^
Somebody ask the Fords if they could trade for Antonio Brown and hasten his retirement.
September 20th, 2019 at 3:50 PM ^
The ultimate irony-Quitting was a good thing for Johnson. He lessened the pain he experienced and stopped the all pain that comes from cumulative injuries. He now lives a happy productive life. Apparently if the Lions were any good he would have kept playing. So the Lions did him a favor by sucking and showing no signs they would compete for championships
September 20th, 2019 at 8:18 PM ^
There's a lot to be said for retiring before age and injury get you down.
September 20th, 2019 at 3:56 PM ^
Johnson: “I don’t care. I really don’t,” he says. “If they do [pay back the bonus], great, I put some more money in my pocket. But either way, I’m not trippin’.”
For someone who "doesn't care" about the "pay back" he sure talks and complains about it a lot. And it is the lead paragraph of the story. He's got million. Time to quit "trippin."
September 20th, 2019 at 4:18 PM ^
He doesn't care about the money, he simply cares about the fact that the organization is so petty that they asked for it back. He put his body on the line for them for 9 years, was an all-time great, and they treated him like total shit. Look at the Colts - they told Andrew Luck to keep a significantly larger amount than the Lions asked for from CJ.
The Lions treated their second-best player of all-time like total shit, and he's hurt (and rightfully so) about it.
September 20th, 2019 at 4:37 PM ^
I guess if I am the Lions, you don't demand the return of the bonus simply to maintain the relationship and have him available to be around the franchise. $1.6 million would have been a small price to pay for that connection perhaps, especially considering that he did give your team nearly a decade of service.
September 20th, 2019 at 5:27 PM ^
Agreed. Would love to see them put in some effort & bring him back around, the way they (kinda) did with Barry.
September 21st, 2019 at 4:19 AM ^
Making him, the greatest receiver the Lions ever had. pay back what is ultimately a insignificant amount of money to both Johnson and the Lions, really shows the pettiness and stupidity of the Lions. Treating him (and other players) right and generously, and you'll have loyal spokespeople and ambassadors for your team.
September 20th, 2019 at 4:31 PM ^
Based on what Calvin relates as to his concussions I don't think he retired too soon. He should not have waited a moment longer.
September 20th, 2019 at 4:46 PM ^
Rebuilding, since 1955
September 20th, 2019 at 6:56 PM ^
*1957
2nd & 3rd championships were '52 & '53. It's hard to wrap your mind around the Lions having 3 championships in 6 seasons.
September 20th, 2019 at 5:14 PM ^
Kinda makes the Detroit Lions outstanding, in a way. What other franchise took two all-time greats still highly productive and chased them away?
September 20th, 2019 at 6:17 PM ^
Jim Schwartz didn't renew the contract of the receivers coach that helped Calvin set the season receiving record.
That's really all you need to know about the Lions.
September 20th, 2019 at 9:03 PM ^
If Gronk were smart he'll stay retired too. Winning games is great, but man his injuries sound horrific.
September 20th, 2019 at 9:16 PM ^
I like that he still lives in the Detroit area (Birmingham).
September 20th, 2019 at 11:26 PM ^
I'm not a Lions fan, but Johnson was always one of my favorite players and this makes me like him even more. Honestly one of the most dominant WRs I've ever seen