There was no fax machine this time, no surprise announcement on the eve of training camp.

But just like Barry Sanders did nearly two decades ago, Calvin Johnson is walking away from the NFL and the Detroit Lions on his own terms.

Johnson announced that he is retiring from football in a statement released by the Lions today. He filed his retirement papers with the NFL in advance of the new league year, which begins at 4 p.m. Wednesday. The Lions announced that his contract “matters were settled to the satisfaction of the parties.”

The 30-year-old played nine Hall of Fame-caliber seasons, all in Detroit, and goes down as the best receiver in franchise history.

“Let me assure you that this was not an easy or hasty decision,” Johnson said in a released statement. “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.

“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.”

Johnson led the Lions and finished 10th in the NFL with 1,214 yards receiving this season, but a recent spate of injuries started to wear down his body.

Johnson underwent off-season knee and finger surgeries in January 2014 and spent most of the last two seasons on the injury report with nagging pain in his ankle.

He confided in current and former teammates late in the season and in the days after the 7-9 campaign ended that he was considering retirement, and when word leaked of those discussions in early January, he acknowledged the decision he was weighing in a statement released by the Lions.