Lane Johnson Walks Away: Eagles Legend Retires to Focus on Mental Health
By Diamond Dan Oates | Buzzed Sports
After 14 seasons, two Super Bowl championships and more than a decade protecting Philadelphia quarterbacks, Lane Johnson is calling it a career.
The longtime Eagles right tackle announced his retirement Tuesday, abruptly ending his 2026 season to focus on his mental health and family.
Johnson had previously indicated that 2026 would likely be his final season, but few expected his career to end just four games into the year.
An Eagles Legend
Philadelphia selected Johnson fourth overall in the 2013 NFL Draft, and he developed into one of the best right tackles of his generation.
Johnson finishes his Eagles career with:
- 14 seasons — all with Philadelphia
- 171 regular-season starts
- 186 starts including the playoffs
- 6 Pro Bowl selections
- 5 AP All-Pro selections
- 2 First-Team All-Pro selections
- 3 NFC championships
- 2 Super Bowl championships
Johnson helped Philadelphia capture its first Super Bowl title in Super Bowl LII and was still anchoring the offensive line when the Eagles won Super Bowl LIX.
His longevity and dominance made him one of the most important pieces of one of the NFL’s best offensive lines for more than a decade.
Bigger Than Football
Johnson’s decision also goes beyond football.
He has previously spoken publicly about his struggles with anxiety and depression, including stepping away from the team during the 2021 season.
Now, at 36 years old, Johnson is again choosing to prioritize his well-being.
NFL players are often expected to push through everything, but mental health doesn’t care how many Pro Bowls you’ve made or how many Super Bowl rings you own.
Johnson has given Philadelphia everything he had for 14 seasons. Choosing himself and his family now deserves respect.
What Happens Next for Philadelphia?
From a football standpoint, this is a massive loss.
The Eagles are already 2-2, and now they must figure out how to replace one of the greatest offensive linemen in franchise history in the middle of the season.
You don’t simply replace Lane Johnson.
You adjust to life without him.
Johnson thanked Philadelphia, the Eagles organization, his teammates, coaches and fans while making it clear that Philadelphia will always be home.
A six-time Pro Bowler.
A five-time All-Pro.
A three-time NFC champion.
A two-time Super Bowl champion.
And an Eagle from beginning to end.
Thank you, Lane. No. 65 will forever be part of Philadelphia Eagles history.
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