How Many Nfl Players Have Paid Bonus Money Back When They Retired Early

Peradventure they learned something from the way the Detroit Lions handled Calvin Johnson's retirement, or perchance they knew it was the correct matter to practise all along.

Whatsoever the case, the Indianapolis Colts will not force quarterback Andrew Luck to repay a prorated portion of his signing bonus after Luck'due south surprise retirement Sat, ESPN reported.

Luck, 29, signed a five-twelvemonth extension in 2016 that included a $32 million signing bonus.

Because Luck retired with 2 years left on his contract, the Colts could accept recouped $12.8 million in signing bonus payments and some other $12 million in a roster bonus that was paid earlier this year.

The Lions forced Johnson to repay a seven-figure portion of his signing bonus when he walked away immediately later on the 2015 season, a payment that has been the subject of discontent for the future Hall-of-Fame wide receiver ever since.

Johnson has largely stayed away from the only franchise he played for over the past three years, and while Lions president Rod Wood said this spring it was "a very loftier priority" for that to alter, Johnson told the Free Press in June there was but way to brand that happen.

"The only mode they're going to get me back is they put that money back in my pocket," Johnson said. "Nah, you don't practise that. I don't care what they say. They can put it back, then they can have me back. That's the lesser line."

Andrew Luck announced his retirement from the NFL on Saturday night.

Historically, NFL teams have not pursued repayment of signing bonus money later their star players retire.

The Lions, however, forced Johnson to cut a bank check on the solar day he retired, and sued Barry Sanders for repayment of a portion of his signing bonus when he retired unexpectedly on the eve of training camp 20 years agone.

More than:xx years ago, Barry Sanders retired and 'all hell broke loose'

Sanders, like Johnson, stayed abroad from the organization for a time, just has since rejoined the Lions in a paid role every bit team ambassador.

"That's a tough check to write," Sanders said in June. "In the NFL you realize it's a business and they accept to handle things on their side of it the way that they practise.

"So I don't take any communication (to Calvin) other than I think over time and so you'll probably see the two sides come together. You think they'd be able to attain some understanding. Just I wish Calvin well. We'd dearest to have him dorsum around, especially the fans, what have you."

More than:Barry Sanders, London and the most baroque escape of his career

Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett. Read more on the Detroit Lions and sign upwards for our Lions newsletter.

Source: https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2019/08/25/indianapolis-colts-andrew-luck-contract/2115106001/

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