The Detroit Lions are still giving Calvin Johnson time to ponder his future.

The team issued a statement Sunday, saying it stands by its previous statement that supported Johnson, after ESPN reported that the superstar receiver told family, friends and Lions coach Jim Caldwell that he is retiring. ESPN did not name its sources.

Johnson declined to say last season if he would restructure his contract, which calls for him to count $24 million US against the salary cap in 2016.

If the 30-year-old Johnson chooses to retire, he will walk away from the game despite having the physical ability to play more, just as Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders did. Sanders was 30 in 1998, his 10th and final season with the Lions.

One of the most physically imposing receivers in NFL history, the 6-foot-5, 237-pound Johnson set the NFL single-season record for receiving yards with 1,964 in 2012, when he caught a career-high 122 passes.

Last year, Johnson made 88 catches for 1,214 yards and nine touchdowns in 16 games.

With files from CBC Sports