Calvin Johnson retires as the Lions' all-time leading receiver

Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson officially has announced his retirement, the team announced Tuesday morning.

Johnson, 30, spent all nine seasons of his NFL career with the Lions and retired as their all-time leader with 731 receptions, 83 touchdown receptions and 11,619 receiving yards.

Following the end of the 2015 season, Johnson reportedly informed the team, friends and family that he planned to walk away, and that news now is confirmed.

Johnson released the following statement, which was posted on the Lions website shortly after the announcement:

This past season, "Megatron" started all 16 games and caught 88 passes for 1,214 yards and nine TDs. He was selected to his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl.

The 6-foot-5, 239-pounder led the NFL with 122 receptions in 2012 and in receiving yards in 2011 (1,681 yards) and 2012 (1,964 yards). Those 1,964 receiving yards are a single-season NFL record.

Prior to the 2012 season, Johnson signed an eight-year, $132 million contract with Detroit.

Interestingly, Johnson follows the lead of another Lions all-time great: Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders retired after his age-30 season in 1998. Sanders remains the Lions' all-time leader in rushing yards (15,269) and rushing TDs (99).

Injuries likely were a factor in Johnson's decision, as he has battled ankle problems and general soreness in recent seasons.