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Long-time Bears rival retires from NFL

The Bears and the rest of the NFL will no longer have to contend with Detroit Lions star receiver Calvin Johnson, who announced his retirement on Tuesday.

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Charles Tillman breaks up a pass intended for Calvin Johnson during a 2012 game.
Selected by the Lions with the second pick in the 2007 draft out of Georgia Tech, "Megatron" was voted to six Pro Bowls in nine seasons and established 15 NFL records, including most receiving yards in a season with 1,964 in 2012.

Johnson rewrote Detroit's team record book, setting marks for career receptions (731), career receiving yards (11,619), receiving yards in a season, receiving yards in a game (329), career receiving touchdowns (83) in TDs in a season (16).

During their eight seasons as NFC North rivals from 2007-14, Johnson had some legendary battles with former Bears cornerback Charles Tillman.

In 2012, Tillman limited Johnson to three receptions for 34 yards in one game and five catches for 72 yards in a second meeting. In Johnson's other 14 games that season, he averaged eight receptions and 133 yards.

Johnson's 96 catches and 1,480 yards in 17 career games against the Bears are his most versus any NFL team. Last year he compiled 166 and 137 yards in two games against the Bears, his only 100-yard outings of the season.

Tillman acknowledged Johnson's retirement on Twitter Tuesday, writing: "My favorite matchup. We brought the best out of each other. God bless in the next season of life."

Other former Bears also weighed in:

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