Goodell: Calvin Johnson's reported retirement not indicative of larger trend

Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson is reportedly retiring after nine seasons, but commissioner Roger Goodell doesn't believe that decision is indicative of a larger trend.

Johnson did not officially announce his retirement, but reportedly told his family and Lions head coach Jim Caldwell that 2015 was his last NFL season.

Lions president Rod Wood said the organization is still giving the wide receiver time to arrive at a firm decision.

During his Super Bowl press conference on Friday, Goodell said he doesn't believe that Johnson's reported retirement is part of a trend that sees players quitting the game at an earlier age.

"I don't see so many people walking away from the game. I don't agree with that," Goodell said. "I see great athletes playing this game and loving to play this game. I talk to players all the time who say, 'I hope I can play forever.' They can't. That's not possible. But the guys who love this game, they're passionate about this game, and if you lose that passion, maybe it is time to move on. And that happens in life."

Regardless of Johnson's decision, Goodell said he supports the six-time Pro Bowler.

"I don't know what Calvin Johnson is balancing," Goodell said. "He's a great player and a great young man. And whatever it is, I support him. Whatever it is, if I can do something to help him, even if it's in his next phase of his life, I'd do that, too."