Another NFL great...of all time...is, perhaps, retiring early. Calvin Johnson (aka: Megatron) has expressed some deep thought towards 2015 being his last season.

The news sent shockwaves around the NFL and hit particularly hard in Detroit. 

Detroit saw their last great player hang up his cleats early when Barry Sanders retired early in 1999 This was done at the ripe age of 30 right in his prime. Barry also had a legitamate shot at many running back records. He woukd have been in a foot race...literally, with Emmett Smith for years to come. Because of all this, it hit about as hard as the auto bailouts in Detroit that would follow years after.

The league had probably not seen anything similar since the great running back Jim Brown retired from football early to pursue acting. Some of you may have seen the HOF Browns runner in the Dirty Dozen, which was filmed while he could have rushed for another 1000-2000 yd season.

Many in Detroit are now feeling dejavu following the Megatron announcement. He too, like their former best rb Barry, would be retiring in his prime at the age of 30. He too could be chasing many of the receiving records held by the G.O.A.T Jerry Rice.This is particularly familiar as both have been stars on their team, and in the league, but have not had too much of a taste of victory with few playoff appearances.

Maybe it is the lack of playoffs...? Previously mentioned Jerry Rice, was lucky to not have that problem. Making multple appearances and gaining multiple Suoerbowl rings probably made it easy to stick around. He proved that 30 was not old by any means, playing in 12 more seasons after 30 while posting just as amazing of numbers.

Then again perhaps it is the nagging injuries. Calvin J has been through many the past few seasons, which may be taking their toll. Jerry Rice, despite his much smaller frame, had good luck in terms of staying on the field. 

Whatever the reason, only Calvin knows. My hope is we do not find out for another 10 years while he goes out to prove he can catch some of those records Jerry will otherwise hold onto for quite sometime.

Picture provided by: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikemorbeck/15833588763/in/photolist-q8ahi...