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Ex-Jacket Calvin Johnson didn’t see success in the future with Lions

Wide receiver Calvin Johnson retired from the Detroit Lions following the 2015 season.

Credit: Gregory Shamus

Credit: Gregory Shamus

Wide receiver Calvin Johnson retired from the Detroit Lions following the 2015 season.

By Maghen Moore

July 11, 2017

What is not on Calvin Johnson's finger may be a reason why he's speaking about his retirement while in Italy for the Italian Bowl XXXVII.

The former Georgia Tech standout told Italian media last week he did not see a Super Bowl in the Lions’ future. He told the Italian media that he could not go to another team because of his contract with the Lions, but he did think about it.

"That's everybody's goal, when they come to the league, is to win a Super Bowl," Johnson said to Italian media. "That's the ultimate goal. ... I wanted to win it, and like I said, I just didn't see that opportunity [with the Lions]."

Calvin Johnson played nine seasons in the National Football League before deciding to retire last year.

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