Calvin Johnson Admits to "Fair Share of Concussions" During NFL Career

Calvin Johnsonm reveals "fair share of concussions" and prevalence of prescription drugs were factors in his NFL retirement.

Not Available Lead
Image via Complex Original
Not Available Lead

Four months ago, Calvin Johnson stunned the world when he announced his retirement from the NFL. At just 30 years old, Johnson didn't appear to be letting up, coming off of his sixth straight Pro Bowl selection and a sixth consecutive season of more than 1,000 receiving yards. But, in an interview with ESPN's Michael Smith for E:60 that airs Thursday at 10 p.m. ET, Megatron reveals his decision to call it quits had a lot to do with his body breaking down.

Throughout his nine-year career, Johnson battled a number of physical ailments, including a lower back problem in his rookie campaign, lingering ankle issues over the last two seasons, and knee and finger injuries that required surgery. 

Johnson took aim at the league's willingness to administer drugs, like painkillers, to address their players' injuries, while shedding light on how easily accessible these drugs were for them.   

Per ESPN: 

"I guess my first half of my career before they really, you know, before they were like started looking over the whole industry, or the whole NFL, the doctors, the team doctors and trainers they were giving them out like candy, you know?"

Johnson also admits to suffering his "fair share" of concussions. 

Send all complaints, compliments, and tips to sportstips@complex.com

Latest in Sports