Nate Burleson Posts Heartfelt Message to Former Teammate Calvin Johnson

Former Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson officially retired from the NFL on Tuesday after nine years in the league, so there were plenty of farewells sent to the record-setting wideout.

No message was more heartfelt than the one posted by one of Johnson's former Detroit Lions teammates, Nate Burleson, who spent four years with the six-time Pro Bowler. 

Here's Burleson's message in its entirety:

"

When I signed with the Detroit Lions I met a young man by the name of Calvin Johnson Jr...a humble superstar who spoke with his actions not his words. After watching him during our first practice together I knew I was going to be witness to something very special. In the 4 years I was there I saw him evolve from really good to great to unstoppable. I can only describe it like a Super Hero realizing his Super Powers one day at a time until he realized he was there to save the city. CJ is a man of few words but I knew by how much he loved Detroit and by his work ethic I realized he embraced the responsibility of bringing pride to Michigan which HE DID time & time again. It was a pleasure to watch, honor to play with and joy to kick it wit you bro. You gave the game everything you had in every game you played and out worked every dollar you made. You are one of few shinning examples of how I will not only teach my kids to approach sports but how to approach life. Never told you this but this is how I saw you when we played together...
☆You stood like a Giant amongst Boys, toiled like a Peasant amongst Kings and blessed us with your presence like a God amongst Men☆
You may be Megatron to the masses but you just CJ to me. Enjoy retirement homie!
Love, Nate B #LionBloodForever

"

Now that's how you say goodbye to a star player—and a close friend.

[Nate Burleson]