Lane Johnson Retires From the Eagles After 14 Seasons, Citing Mental Health
The Eagles' six-time Pro Bowl right tackle announced his retirement Tuesday, three games into the season, saying he needs to focus on his mental health and family.
Lane Johnson is done with football. The Eagles' longtime right tackle announced his retirement in a social media statement on Tuesday, two days after he was a surprise scratch from Sunday's loss to the Rams. The team had said only that he was out for "personal reasons."
What Johnson said
Johnson said he had wanted to "gut it out for one more year" and play a last season with his teammates. After reflection, he wrote, his personal and family priorities had changed, and it was "critical" that he focus on his mental health.
He said he owed the team and fans his full head and heart, and that his heart was telling him it was time to say goodbye. Reports say he had indicated 2026 would probably be his last season, so the surprise is the timing, not the decision.
Johnson missed time at the start of training camp. NBC Sports reports he said when he returned that his mother had been dealing with health issues.
The numbers behind his career
Johnson started 171 regular-season games and 15 playoff games. NBC Sports reports the Eagles went 122-63-1 with him since drafting him, and 18-30 without him, a record that now includes Sunday's loss.
He was picked behind tackles Eric Fisher and Luke Joeckel in 2013. ProFootballRumors calls him the best player from a first round it describes as disappointing. His career included the Nick Foles-led Super Bowl LII win and Saquon Barkley's 2,000-yard season.
Sources differ on his All-Pro count. ESPN and NBC Sports say two first-team selections, while ProFootballRumors says five All-Pro honors.
The end of the "Core Four"
Johnson is the last of the Eagles' "Core Four" linemen to retire, following Jason Kelce, Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham. Kelce and Cox stepped away after the 2023 season. Graham retired for a second time this summer.
Johnson's latest deal was a one-year, $25 million extension running through the 2027 season, according to ProFootballRumors. The Eagles had signed him to four extensions since drafting him.
What happens next
The sources do not say who will replace Johnson at right tackle. They also don't say how his retirement affects the Eagles' salary cap, so any talk of cap space is still speculation. Check for updates from the team on the line and his contract.
Johnson played three games this season, so ProFootballRumors says he would not be eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame until 2032. That site also calls him a good bet to reach Canton eventually.
Also read Ravens QB Lamar Jackson Has Ankle Sprain, Only Outside Chance to Play Week 5
Quick answers
Why did Lane Johnson retire?
He said his personal and family priorities had changed and that he needs to focus on his mental health.
Was Lane Johnson playing this season?
He played three games, then was inactive for Sunday's loss to the Rams for personal reasons. He announced his retirement two days later.
When could Lane Johnson reach the Hall of Fame?
ProFootballRumors says he would not be eligible until 2032 because he played in three games this season.
Keep it in Saved stories on this device to read later.
