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Calvin Johnson to retire - CONFIRMED (1 Viewer)

djjosee said:
A source told ESPN's Ed Werder that Calvin Johnson told his mother "he wasn't sure wanted to play any more," and cleaned out his locker unlike other Lions veterans.

A source told Werder that "Calvin is the kind of guy who says, 'If I don't feel I'm into this 100 percent, then I need to decide if want to be in at all.'" These are indications Megatron is seriously contemplating retirement, though the season just ended. It's entirely possible Johnson gets the "itch" again in a matter of months, if not weeks or days. Our bet is still that Megatron will keep playing, but it'll be a big story for at least the rest of January.
Source: Ed Werder on Twitter
Jan 6 - 10:48 PM
OP Calvin's mom?... :whistle:
HAHAHA nope. Mrs. Johnson isn't the source :P

 
Dr. Octopus said:
tone1oc said:
If they wait until after June 1st dead money falls to $8M and the gain goes to just under $16M, but I doubt they wait that long to figure it out.
They wouldn't have to wait - you can designate some one a "June 1st" cut well before then.
I mentioned that at the beginning of the thread, fell on deaf ears. It was part of the new bargaining agreement so that vets get cut earlier and are available to sign with new teams before OTAs/min-camps. Before, the June 1st+ cuts would sort of get screwed because of the draft picks and FAs signing before they had a chance.

Personally, I think he just sits and waits. No chance he wants to have to pay them back $10M.

 
djjosee said:
A source told ESPN's Ed Werder that Calvin Johnson told his mother "he wasn't sure wanted to play any more," and cleaned out his locker unlike other Lions veterans.

A source told Werder that "Calvin is the kind of guy who says, 'If I don't feel I'm into this 100 percent, then I need to decide if want to be in at all.'" These are indications Megatron is seriously contemplating retirement, though the season just ended. It's entirely possible Johnson gets the "itch" again in a matter of months, if not weeks or days. Our bet is still that Megatron will keep playing, but it'll be a big story for at least the rest of January.

Source: Ed Werder on Twitter

Jan 6 - 10:48 PM
OP Calvin's mom?... :whistle:
HAHAHA nope. Mrs. Johnson isn't the source :P
Fix the OP and get rid of your apology. It was entertaining reading some of the posts that were criticizing.

 
So the lions have a coordinator they like and a d coordinator well thought enough to get multiple interviews and.... They're gonna stick with Caldwell????

No wonder Calvin wants out

 
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I know every big name FA or possible FA WR gets linked to the Patriots but I could not help but wonder today if Quinn's NE roots would assist in working out a trade of Calvin to the NE, provided of course he still wants to play. I sure hope not. I don't want Calvin to retire but don't care to see NE get another potential Randy Moss deal either.

 
I know every big name FA or possible FA WR gets linked to the Patriots but I could not help but wonder today if Quinn's NE roots would assist in working out a trade of Calvin to the NE, provided of course he still wants to play. I sure hope not. I don't want Calvin to retire but don't care to see NE get another potential Randy Moss deal either.
Wouldn't NE take the salary in a trade? if so, they would have to have Calvin commit for x years and redo the contract. I guess its possible. He could end up retiring with Brady.

 
I know every big name FA or possible FA WR gets linked to the Patriots but I could not help but wonder today if Quinn's NE roots would assist in working out a trade of Calvin to the NE, provided of course he still wants to play. I sure hope not. I don't want Calvin to retire but don't care to see NE get another potential Randy Moss deal either.
Wouldn't NE take the salary in a trade? if so, they would have to have Calvin commit for x years and redo the contract. I guess its possible. He could end up retiring with Brady.
Don't think he goes to NE. Would guess he retires or plays for the Lions if Caldwell is gone.

 
You guys are a bunch of sickos. I made a joke about a guy's prediction that didn't happen. A simple joke and now you're coming at me? Dude was wrong, I made a comment.

Get over it guys.
If that was a joke, then you're really bad at writing jokes.
The only joke here is the idea the Calvin Johnson is going to retire. Someone will give this guy a moronic amount of money to play somewhere.This stinks of Brett Favre so badly...

 
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You guys are a bunch of sickos. I made a joke about a guy's prediction that didn't happen. A simple joke and now you're coming at me? Dude was wrong, I made a comment.

Get over it guys.
If that was a joke, then you're really bad at writing jokes.
The only joke here is the idea the Calvin Johnson is going to retire. Someone will give this guy a moronic amount of money to play somewhere.This stinks of Brett Favre so badly...
It might not be about money for him though. I don't think its a total joke to think he's going to. He told people he was going to, and now he's backpedaled a little bit, but I still think he's going to retire.

 
You guys are a bunch of sickos. I made a joke about a guy's prediction that didn't happen. A simple joke and now you're coming at me? Dude was wrong, I made a comment.

Get over it guys.
If that was a joke, then you're really bad at writing jokes.
The only joke here is the idea the Calvin Johnson is going to retire. Someone will give this guy a moronic amount of money to play somewhere.This stinks of Brett Favre so badly...
He's already due to make about $16MM for next season....you may want to quit while you're already far behind.

 
I know every big name FA or possible FA WR gets linked to the Patriots but I could not help but wonder today if Quinn's NE roots would assist in working out a trade of Calvin to the NE, provided of course he still wants to play. I sure hope not. I don't want Calvin to retire but don't care to see NE get another potential Randy Moss deal either.
Wouldn't NE take the salary in a trade? if so, they would have to have Calvin commit for x years and redo the contract. I guess its possible. He could end up retiring with Brady.
Don't think he goes to NE. Would guess he retires or plays for the Lions if Caldwell is gone.
If Caldwell is gone and they get someone with balls in at HC AND Calvin stays, he will put up a monster season as they will not ignore him for the 1st half of games like they have with this **** head as HC.

However, that means renegotiate and a commitment from Calvin to stay for at least most of the contract. Still say they just cut him loose and he signs with a contender.

 
Not only would he make $16m next year, doesn't he have to pay back some portion of his previous earnings if he retires?

People do weird things sometimes, but with so much cash on the line I'd guess this is all part of the upcoming negotiation.

 
Not only would he make $16m next year, doesn't he have to pay back some portion of his previous earnings if he retires?

People do weird things sometimes, but with so much cash on the line I'd guess this is all part of the upcoming negotiation.
He's not retiring unless he's really dumb, which he is not. Retiring takes a boatload of $ out of his pocket and gives it back to the Lions. He's waiting them out. They either pay him 20 million a year or they cut him.

 
Not sure why people think that Calvin is more likely to stay if Caldwell gets fired. From what I've read, it could be the opposite: he likes Caldwell, and his firing could push him toward retirement.

Also, if the McDaniels rumors are true, well, we all remember what happened with Denver's two biggest stars when he took that job.

 
Not sure why people think that Calvin is more likely to stay if Caldwell gets fired. From what I've read, it could be the opposite: he likes Caldwell, and his firing could push him toward retirement.

Also, if the McDaniels rumors are true, well, we all remember what happened with Denver's two biggest stars when he took that job.
I'm not so sure. He certainly is not going to say he doesn't like him. If asked, he will say he does. He won't give any indication that gives the media a chance to create a story. No idea how he can like losing AND not being thrown the ball and that is Caldwell's MO.

 
Not sure why people think that Calvin is more likely to stay if Caldwell gets fired. From what I've read, it could be the opposite: he likes Caldwell, and his firing could push him toward retirement.

Also, if the McDaniels rumors are true, well, we all remember what happened with Denver's two biggest stars when he took that job.
I'm not so sure. He certainly is not going to say he doesn't like him. If asked, he will say he does. He won't give any indication that gives the media a chance to create a story. No idea how he can like losing AND not being thrown the ball and that is Caldwell's MO.
I don't have any inside info about Calvin in particular, but from everything I've heard Caldwell is a players' coach who inspires a lot of loyalty. For example, my enduring memory of Peyton and Caldwell is his "Manning face" when JC called that ridiculous timeout in the Jets playoff game. But apparently when Detroit was considering hiring him, Peyton called them up and gave a strong rec.

My point is, I know fans in general can't stand Caldwell, but I wouldn't necessarily project that onto his players.

 
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Looks like Calvin has made $113 Million from the Lions alone. (I'm sure he's made plenty in endorsements etc too). Calvin seems like a smart guy, and it wouldn't be surprising if his bank account was somewhere north of 100 Million (even after paying taxes, agents etc).

The Lions have had two winning seasons since he's been in the league. Both of those led to 1st round playoff exits. He has to realistically look at the 2016 Lions and think they will be lucky to make the playoffs again.

Lets say he could play another 5 years and pad his bank account by 50 million. At what cost to himself though? In a league where Vontaze Burfict etc exists, what are the chances he plays out those 5 years and comes away unscathed from a long term perspective? There are tons of examples of former players that can barely walk anymore just from normal wear and tear. Add in CTE etc, and retirement becomes a viable option when you've got more money than you'll ever spend, your kids will ever spend etc.

Think about it this way...Lets say he's got $100M in the bank/investments. He should easily be able to make $8M annually just in investment/interest income without touching the principle. If it were you, would you risk CTE, the ability to walk in 10 years etc, to add 50% to that?

 
Looks like Calvin has made $113 Million from the Lions alone. (I'm sure he's made plenty in endorsements etc too). Calvin seems like a smart guy, and it wouldn't be surprising if his bank account was somewhere north of 100 Million (even after paying taxes, agents etc).

The Lions have had two winning seasons since he's been in the league. Both of those led to 1st round playoff exits. He has to realistically look at the 2016 Lions and think they will be lucky to make the playoffs again.

Lets say he could play another 5 years and pad his bank account by 50 million. At what cost to himself though? In a league where Vontaze Burfict etc exists, what are the chances he plays out those 5 years and comes away unscathed from a long term perspective? There are tons of examples of former players that can barely walk anymore just from normal wear and tear. Add in CTE etc, and retirement becomes a viable option when you've got more money than you'll ever spend, your kids will ever spend etc.

Think about it this way...Lets say he's got $100M in the bank/investments. He should easily be able to make $8M annually just in investment/interest income without touching the principle. If it were you, would you risk CTE, the ability to walk in 10 years etc, to add 50% to that?
CJ isn't worth anywhere near 100 mil, and there's no way he could earn another 50 mil even if he does play another 5 years. Other than being way off on the numbers you make some valid points.

 
Quasimoto said:
Kitrick Taylor said:
Looks like Calvin has made $113 Million from the Lions alone. (I'm sure he's made plenty in endorsements etc too). Calvin seems like a smart guy, and it wouldn't be surprising if his bank account was somewhere north of 100 Million (even after paying taxes, agents etc).

The Lions have had two winning seasons since he's been in the league. Both of those led to 1st round playoff exits. He has to realistically look at the 2016 Lions and think they will be lucky to make the playoffs again.

Lets say he could play another 5 years and pad his bank account by 50 million. At what cost to himself though? In a league where Vontaze Burfict etc exists, what are the chances he plays out those 5 years and comes away unscathed from a long term perspective? There are tons of examples of former players that can barely walk anymore just from normal wear and tear. Add in CTE etc, and retirement becomes a viable option when you've got more money than you'll ever spend, your kids will ever spend etc.

Think about it this way...Lets say he's got $100M in the bank/investments. He should easily be able to make $8M annually just in investment/interest income without touching the principle. If it were you, would you risk CTE, the ability to walk in 10 years etc, to add 50% to that?
CJ isn't worth anywhere near 100 mil, and there's no way he could earn another 50 mil even if he does play another 5 years. Other than being way off on the numbers you make some valid points.
coolnerd said:
Might be for entertainment purposes only but Calvin's net worth is

http://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-athletes/nfl/calvin-johnson-net-worth/
If Calvin's net worth is only $30 Million maybe he isn't as smart as I've thought. According to this http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/detroit-lions/calvin-johnson/cash-earnings/ He's earned $113 Million from the Lions. After paying 40% of that in taxes, and 3% to an agent, that still leaves him clearing north of $64 Million dollars. That's just his NFL salary income. I'm sure he's made millions in endorsements as well.

Has he really blown $40 Million in the last 9 years?

 
Quasimoto said:
Kitrick Taylor said:
Looks like Calvin has made $113 Million from the Lions alone. (I'm sure he's made plenty in endorsements etc too). Calvin seems like a smart guy, and it wouldn't be surprising if his bank account was somewhere north of 100 Million (even after paying taxes, agents etc).

The Lions have had two winning seasons since he's been in the league. Both of those led to 1st round playoff exits. He has to realistically look at the 2016 Lions and think they will be lucky to make the playoffs again.

Lets say he could play another 5 years and pad his bank account by 50 million. At what cost to himself though? In a league where Vontaze Burfict etc exists, what are the chances he plays out those 5 years and comes away unscathed from a long term perspective? There are tons of examples of former players that can barely walk anymore just from normal wear and tear. Add in CTE etc, and retirement becomes a viable option when you've got more money than you'll ever spend, your kids will ever spend etc.

Think about it this way...Lets say he's got $100M in the bank/investments. He should easily be able to make $8M annually just in investment/interest income without touching the principle. If it were you, would you risk CTE, the ability to walk in 10 years etc, to add 50% to that?
CJ isn't worth anywhere near 100 mil, and there's no way he could earn another 50 mil even if he does play another 5 years. Other than being way off on the numbers you make some valid points.
coolnerd said:
Might be for entertainment purposes only but Calvin's net worth is

http://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-athletes/nfl/calvin-johnson-net-worth/
If Calvin's net worth is only $30 Million maybe he isn't as smart as I've thought. According to this http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/detroit-lions/calvin-johnson/cash-earnings/ He's earned $113 Million from the Lions. After paying 40% of that in taxes, and 3% to an agent, that still leaves him clearing north of $64 Million dollars. That's just his NFL salary income. I'm sure he's made millions in endorsements as well.

Has he really blown $40 Million in the last 9 years?
those sites have no idea how much someones true net worth is.

 
I think he just wants to see how the new hires are going to affect him & the team before he decides one way or the other. Floating this out there lets them know this in advance.

 
I think he just wants to see how the new hires are going to affect him & the team before he decides one way or the other. Floating this out there lets them know this in advance.
The 'threat' of retirement also totally eliminates the chance of the new regime trading him to another loser franchise. It does not eliminate the chance of him being traded to a contender. I believe he wants to play for a contender but he's too nice to demand a trade so the 'retire' angle accomplishes the same thing if he is released. That's not saying he isn't going to retire but I don't think he does. I think he lands with a contender next season. WASH is one spot that could use him.

 
He played college at GA Tech. I'd like to see him end up in Atlanta to team up with Julio Jones. That would be interesting.

 
Warhogs said:
He played college at GA Tech. I'd like to see him end up in Atlanta to team up with Julio Jones. That would be interesting.
Single covered with Julio on the other side. With Mr. Home Depot as the owner, it is possible. I don't even think Shanahan could totally screw that up.

 
Caldwell back. Let's see how this goes now.
Calvin on Caldwell:

“Yeah, man, I love him,” wide receiver Calvin Johnson said last month. “I think everybody in the locker room would probably say the same thing. He commands respect, but he doesn’t have to do much.

“It’s just his character, guys gravitate towards him. He’s easily one of my favorite coaches I’ve had.”

 
Not sure if this has been asked already here, but what do you think are the current odds of each of the 3 potential situations for 2016 -

Calvin is a Lion

Calvin is playing for one of the 31 other teams

Calvin is not playing in the NFL

I'm going 25%, 50%, 25% in order.

 
Not sure if this has been asked already here, but what do you think are the current odds of each of the 3 potential situations for 2016 -

Calvin is a Lion

Calvin is playing for one of the 31 other teams

Calvin is not playing in the NFL

I'm going 25%, 50%, 25% in order.
Sounds about right.

 
Not sure if this has been asked already here, but what do you think are the current odds of each of the 3 potential situations for 2016 -

Calvin is a Lion

Calvin is playing for one of the 31 other teams

Calvin is not playing in the NFL

I'm going 25%, 50%, 25% in order.
I'd say 75/15/10. Caldwell returning makes him likely to want to stay. There are contract issues that will need to be ironed out, but you have to assume Quinn doesn't want his first major action as GM to be getting rid of the greatest WR in franchise history. They'll work something out. The only uncertainties at this point are a) Calvin refusing to budge on his contract and b) him being serious about feeling beat up and not needing this crap anymore. But I'd still be surprised if he's not back.

 
Caldwell back. Let's see how this goes now.
Calvin on Caldwell:

“Yeah, man, I love him,” wide receiver Calvin Johnson said last month. “I think everybody in the locker room would probably say the same thing. He commands respect, but he doesn’t have to do much.

“It’s just his character, guys gravitate towards him. He’s easily one of my favorite coaches I’ve had.”
See, this is what I think the general public misses about Caldwell. He definitely has his flaws. But the fact that his players would run through a wall for him is significant. You can certainly disagree with the decision to keep him. But anyone who professes not to understand the decision simply isn't paying attention.

 
Players usually love coaches till their gone. Chip Kelly situations are rare.

They all say the same thing about the new guy, as well.

Think we can find nice Megatron quotes about his former coaches? I bet we can.

 
Caldwell back. Let's see how this goes now.
Calvin on Caldwell:

“Yeah, man, I love him,” wide receiver Calvin Johnson said last month. “I think everybody in the locker room would probably say the same thing. He commands respect, but he doesn’t have to do much.

“It’s just his character, guys gravitate towards him. He’s easily one of my favorite coaches I’ve had.”
See, this is what I think the general public misses about Caldwell. He definitely has his flaws. But the fact that his players would run through a wall for him is significant. You can certainly disagree with the decision to keep him. But anyone who professes not to understand the decision simply isn't paying attention.
He nailed that line.

Sounds like player speak to me but even if 100% true being loved and respected does not make you a good head coach.

Still I don't have an issue with keeping him. I really though they were going to hire McDaniels or Patricia but I don't view Caldwell as inferior to some of these other coaches getting jobs. Unless I'm making a clear upgrade and I think my players are still tuning into the coach I'd go with continuity as well.

 
Looks like Calvin has made $113 Million from the Lions alone. (I'm sure he's made plenty in endorsements etc too). Calvin seems like a smart guy, and it wouldn't be surprising if his bank account was somewhere north of 100 Million (even after paying taxes, agents etc).

The Lions have had two winning seasons since he's been in the league. Both of those led to 1st round playoff exits. He has to realistically look at the 2016 Lions and think they will be lucky to make the playoffs again.

Lets say he could play another 5 years and pad his bank account by 50 million. At what cost to himself though? In a league where Vontaze Burfict etc exists, what are the chances he plays out those 5 years and comes away unscathed from a long term perspective? There are tons of examples of former players that can barely walk anymore just from normal wear and tear. Add in CTE etc, and retirement becomes a viable option when you've got more money than you'll ever spend, your kids will ever spend etc.

Think about it this way...Lets say he's got $100M in the bank/investments. He should easily be able to make $8M annually just in investment/interest income without touching the principle. If it were you, would you risk CTE, the ability to walk in 10 years etc, to add 50% to that?
Assuming none of us know anything about what Calvin thinks or feels (except for, perhaps, the OP, of course :) ), I think a few things that are fairly reasonable to assume here are:

-Calvin's never been a type to be a drama king or just say something without it meaning something. He doesn't seem to waste words.

-His character doesn't seem to scream that he wastes a lot. THat could be farthest thing from the truth but if I were betting, I'd say he has saved plenty and isn't foolish with his earnings.

-All players say the right things about teammates and coaches when in front of the camera (for the most part). I CAN believe Caldwell has a ton of respect earned from his players but I also CAN believe that their body language on Sundays has suggested more than once that they are scratching their heads at their coaches' game plans and saying "wtf".

-And maybe most importantly, this may not be a decision in his hands at all. His contract looks like it is begging to be re-worked and as crazy as it sounds to you and I, he may be thinking "no way I am doing this again here for $9M vs. $15.6" or whatever it is and while we all probably think that's fine because someone else would pay him well, we don't know if there is a legit degenerative health issue going on. IF we see what Calvin has been the past couple of seasons compared to prior, we know they have either been woefully mismanaged OR they have hidden some physically limitating information. It could very well be that he has something going on and couldn't pass another team's physical to the point of justifying a salary close to what he has now.

 
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Since Money's not a problem, Cmon over to New England and get that ring. :)

 
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Calvin has said on multiple occasions and repeated this year "I want to retire as a Lion. I want to win as a Lion."

I believe him. He may still retire - everyone from Stafford on down said he is serious about contemplating it. He has said he will decide before FA so the team has adequate time to remedy their needs before the draft & TC.

I think his net worth number is probably higher than $30M. He lives pretty simply. He's very articulate & quote bright, but his desires are simple.

Johnson is a Christian. He has a tattoo of the crucifixion of Jesus on his left arm and a Christian cross on his right arm. He's part of a weekly Bible study group with other Lions players. He is funding a film called Real Love. The film is "a coming-of-age story about a girl trying to stay true to her virginity and her religion" and "... a message [Johnson] wants to get out there."

I don't think he is angling for a trade or being cut. He won't hang around to compile numbers. If he doesn't feel like he can still play at an elite level, if he has concerns about health or pain management, or if he's just fed up with losing, he'll walk. He won't look back.

That's just MHO, my take. He's a different kind of cat. He is in the world but not of the world. He doesn't view this through the same prism many of you are using (maximizing return, searching for a ring.)

 
Calvin has said on multiple occasions and repeated this year "I want to retire as a Lion. I want to win as a Lion."

I believe him. He may still retire - everyone from Stafford on down said he is serious about contemplating it. He has said he will decide before FA so the team has adequate time to remedy their needs before the draft & TC.

I think his net worth number is probably higher than $30M. He lives pretty simply. He's very articulate & quote bright, but his desires are simple.

Johnson is a Christian. He has a tattoo of the crucifixion of Jesus on his left arm and a Christian cross on his right arm. He's part of a weekly Bible study group with other Lions players. He is funding a film called Real Love. The film is "a coming-of-age story about a girl trying to stay true to her virginity and her religion" and "... a message [Johnson] wants to get out there."

I don't think he is angling for a trade or being cut. He won't hang around to compile numbers. If he doesn't feel like he can still play at an elite level, if he has concerns about health or pain management, or if he's just fed up with losing, he'll walk. He won't look back.

That's just MHO, my take. He's a different kind of cat. He is in the world but not of the world. He doesn't view this through the same prism many of you are using (maximizing return, searching for a ring.)
What does the Christian tattoos, Jesus-loving stuff have to do with retirement?

 

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