The most natural comparison to make in the story of Calvin Johnson — who reportedly told Lions teammates before the 2015 season that he planned to retire at the end of the year — is of course to fellow Detroit star Barry Sanders.
Sanders retired abruptly shortly after turning 31, an age Johnson will reach in September. Both were removed from their peak years when they retired — though not by much — and were still very productive. And just as Sanders’ retirement left a void for the Lions both on and off the field, so too would Johnson if he indeed calls it quits.