Lane Johnson retirement: Why did Philadelphia Eagles right tackle retire?

Lane Johnson, the star Philadelphia Eagles right tackle, retired on Tuesday after 14 seasons and two Super Bowl championships. Johnson helped the Eagles win Super Bowls LII and LIX. The 36-year-old Johnson was a first-round pick in 2013 and was a first-team All-Pro in 2017 and 2022. He earned second-team honors in 2021, 2023 and 2024. Johnson has been a pillar at right tackle and won a pair of Super Bowls with the Eagles. The six-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time first-team All-Pro started all 186 games he played with the Eagles, including playoffs, since Philadelphia drafted him with the fourth overall pick in 2013. Johnson, who missed Sunday's loss against the Los Angeles Rams for personal reasons, said he wants to focus on his mental health.

“Lane Johnson is an all-time Eagle and one of the best players ever to play his position in NFL history,” Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said in a statement. “Lane was a major contributor to our team success for 14 seasons, helping to bring two Super Bowl championships and many other memorable moments to the organization and the city of Philadelphia.”

Lane Johnson Mental Health


Johnson had been a late scratch for last week's game against the Los Angeles Rams for personal reasons. He said on Tuesday despite wanting to finish the season, his “personal and family priorities in my life have changed.” Johnson missed time in training camp for personal reasons before saying that this season would probably be his last.

"I deeply ‌wanted to gut it out for one more year; to take the field with my brothers for one last season. But after a lot of reflection, I've realized that my personal and ​family priorities have changed. Right now it is critical that I focus on ​my mental health," he posted on social media.

Johnson took a leave of absence during the 2021 season as he battled anxiety and depression and has since shared his story at mental health clinics in the area.

Johnson, a six-time Pro Bowl selection, said earlier this year his potential retirement came into focus last season after conversations with his family and an injury-filled season. He missed Philadelphia’s final seven regular-season games and the wild-card playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

“Right now, it is critical that I focus on my mental health,” Johnson said. “I owe it to my teammates, coaches, the organization and the fans to have my head and heart 100 percent in the game. And right now my heart is telling me that it's time to say goodbye to football.”