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Although the news doesn't come as a tremendous shock, it still sends ripples throughout the fantasy football world: Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who for the past nine seasons established himself as one of the greatest wide receivers in National Football League history, today announced his retirement from the NFL effective immediately.

Johnson filed his retirement papers with the NFL today in advance of the new League year which begins Wednesday afternoon.

“Let me begin by apologizing for making this announcement via a statement and not in person,” Johnson wrote in delivering the news. “While I truly respect the significance of this, those who know me best will understand and not be surprised that I choose not to have a press conference for this announcement. After much prayer, thought and discussion with loved ones, I have made the difficult decision to retire from the Lions and pro football. I have played my last game of football.”

Johnson made it clear he’s glad he was a football player. He’s just ready to call it quits.

“Let me assure you that this was not an easy or hasty decision. As I stated, I, along with those closest to me, have put a lot of time, deliberation and prayer into this decision and I truly am at peace with it,” he explained. “I also want you to know that I have the utmost respect and admiration for the game of football. It has provided so much for me and my family and I will be forever grateful to the game.”

The Lions also announced, with respect to Johnson’s contract, that those “matters were settled to the satisfaction of the parties.”

Johnson carried a $24 million cap hit this coming season, including a $16 million base salary, and the assumption in 2015 was that he'd need to rework the deal before next season. By retiring, Johnson owed the Lions $3.2 million in previously paid signing bonus money. It's not clear whether Johnson paid that money back or if the two sides reached some other agreement.

According to Profootballtalk.com, the Lions gain $11.1 million in cap room with the move, which they can definitely use heading into the new league year as they try to replace one of the game’s brightest stars.

There was some question as to whether the 30-year-old Johnson was trying to finagle a release, so he could play somewhere else. But based on his statement, that’s not the case.

One of the best receivers in the NFL since the Lions took him with the second pick of the 2007 NFL draft, Johnson hauled in 731 catches for 11,619 yards and had 83 touchdowns.

Johnson is a six-time Pro Bowler and three-time NFL All-Pro selection. In 2012, he set an NFL record for the most receiving yards in a season at 1,964. He also has the second most receiving yards (329) in a game

The wideout is the second Lions star to retire at just 30 years old. Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders retired in 1998 at the same age.