Future Hall of Fame Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson announces retirement

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History has repeated itself for the Detroit Lions franchise.

Just shy of 17 years since Lions Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders retired from the NFL at the age of 31, another future Canton candidate has hung up his cleats during the prime of his career.

Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson officially retired from the NFL on Tuesday morning. He released the following statement shortly after informing the Lions of his decision:

In advance of the new League year beginning at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 9, Johnson filed his retirement papers to the NFL. Johnson's name will show up on the official retirement list directly next to another surefire Hall of Famer in former Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, who announced his retirement Monday afternoon.

[RELATED: Impact of Calvin Johnson exit likely to echo throughout NFC North]

The 30-year-old Johnson spent his entire career with the Lions after being selected with the second overall pick of the 2007 NFL Draft out of Georgia Tech.

In 135 career games, Johnson totaled 731 receptions for 11,619 yards and 83 touchdowns. In 17 career games against the Bears, Johnson caught 96 passes for 1,480 yards and 11 touchdowns

Throughout his illustrious nine-year career, Johnson notched six Pro Bowl selections and four All-Pro honors. Johnson led the NFL in receiving yards twice (2011, 2012) and set the single-season record for most receiving yards (1,964) in 2012. Megatron ends his career as the Lions all-time career leader in receiving yards and touchdowns.

The Lions, who will gain $11.1 in salary cap room with the move, also announced that contract matters with Johnson and the team “were settled to the satisfaction of the parties.”

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