In a shocking turn of events, Lane Johnson announced this afternoon that he’s retiring from the NFL. Johnson wasn’t just a good right tackle; he was one of the best this game will ever see.
Lane Johnson Was A Rare Draft Prospect
When drafted by the Eagles in 2013 with the 4th overall pick, Howie Roseman hoped that, in the best-case scenario, he would develop into a good starting-caliber tackle for the next 7-9 years. As a prospect, Johnson was a generational freak athlete for the position.
He was in the 86th to 99th percentile in arm length, 10-yard split, 40-yard dash, vertical jump, board jump, three-cone drill, and 20-yard shuttle. Specifically, in the 10-yard split, 40-yard dash, vertical jump, board jump, and three-cone drill, Johnson ranked in the 95th to 99th percentile.
Lane Johnson’s Historic Dominance
Jan 19, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson (65) against the Los Angeles Rams in a 2025 NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images/File Photo
Johnson would use his incredible physical gifts and combine that with a relentless work ethic to become the pinnacle of excellence for offensive tackles. In the past six seasons alone, he gave up only four sacks on 2,485 pass-blocking snaps, per Jeff Kerr.
Keep in mind three of those four sacks came in the 2023 season. In this span, Johnson allowed an absurd 0.0016% sack rate. He was consistently giving the Eagles video game numbers so regularly, it just seemed like a formality he would do so every game.
During his legendary 14-year career, Johnson only allowed 295 pressures, equaling a pressure rate of 2.4%. In addition to giving up only 33 sacks, equaling a sack percentage of 0.02%.
How many sacks Johnson gave up for his career is even more impressive when you factor in that 10 of the sacks he conceded came in his rookie year.
In the following 13-year span, Johnson only allowed 23 sacks; on average, he gave up 1.77 sacks per season. Saying he was a rare breed is an understatement; Johnson was truly a one-of-a-kind player.
Lane Johnson Used His Platform To Raise Mental Health Awareness
Johnson was a legend off the field as much as he was on it. He used his platform to advocate for mental health awareness.
Johnson was so vulnerable when it came to spreading awareness of mental health; he shared with the world his own experiences dealing with anxiety and depression. During the 2021 season, he missed three games, which initially was reported to be for personal reasons.
But he later came out and revealed on his Instagram that he missed those games because of his ongoing struggles with depression and anxiety since 2008. He said in the post, “Depression and anxiety are things I’ve dealt with for a long time and have kept hidden from my friends and family. If you’re reading this and struggling, please know that you are not alone”.
How Lane Johnson Gave Back To The Philadelphia Community
Johnson was also a beloved member of the Philadelphia community for his charitable endeavors. Such as back in 2018 when he helped pave Philly’s streets through his “Pave the Lane” initiative.
Along with doing speaking engagements for the Jewish Federation of Atlantic and Cape May Counties in New Jersey. A partnership with the organization Kooth, which is a free mental health service for children, teens, and young adults.
Along with him, former teammates Jason Kelce and Jordan Mailata released two charity Christmas albums in 2023. The first album, “A Philly Special Christmas,” raised over $1.25 million for charities in Philadelphia.
End Of Lane Johnson Retirement Rant
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson (65) shakes hands with quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) during the second half of Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images/File Photo
While most people at first will see this announcement and think of the Eagles season already on a downward spiral, it just got even worse. We shouldn’t overlook how Johnson genuinely was a generational player.
He paved the lane for what football players can be both on and off the field. As an Eagles fan, thank you for everything, Lane Johnson. Enjoy retirement, and look forward to seeing you inducted into the Hall of Fame as soon as you’re eligible.
