All News & Analysis

Calvin Johnson was a PFF all-timer before early retirement

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 03: Calvin Johnson #81 of the Detroit Lions receieves a 36yd pass against Tracy Porter #21 of the Chicago Bears to score a touchdown in the third quarter at Soldier Field on January 3, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)

  • ESPN.com recently featured an interview with former Detroit Lions great Calvin Johnson opening about his decision to retire at age 30. In the interview Johnson admitted the Lions’ lack of consistent competitiveness was a factor in his decision. Johnson was selected with second overall pick in the 2007 draft.
  • Johnson’s career stacks up as one of the greats thus far in the PFF era. Johnson graded in the top-10 among his position for six straight years 2010-2015.
  • Johnson’s career highlight came during that stretch in 2011, when he was the best receiver in football, grading at 93.6 overall — the fourth-highest WR grade in the PFF era. During that season, he ranked second in deep receiving yards with 584 and sixth in yards per route run at 2.44. The following season he went on the break the single-season receiving record with 1,964 yards.
  • Johnson is arguably the best deep receiving threat at wide receiver in the PFF era. His 3,595 deep receiving yards rank second all time in the PFF era. Only DeSean Jackson (4,125) had more.

All Featured Tools

Subscriptions

Unlock the 2023 Fantasy Draft Kit, with League Sync, Live Draft Assistant, PFF Grades & Data Platform that powers all 32 Pro Teams

$31 Draft Kit Fee + $8.99/mo
OR
$89.88/yr + FREE Draft Kit