Lane Johnson Retires After 14 Seasons, Citing Mental Health and Family
The six-time Pro Bowl right tackle announced the decision Tuesday, two days after he was a surprise inactive against the Rams. Rookie Markel Bell takes over for an Eagles team that is 2-2 and headed to London.
Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson retired on Tuesday, ending a 14-season career spent entirely in Philadelphia. "I deeply wanted to gut it out for one more year; to take the field with my brothers for one last season," Johnson wrote on Instagram. "But after a lot of reflection, I've realized that my personal and family priorities have changed."
Why now?
Johnson, 36, had said in the summer that this would likely be his last season because of his parents' health and a wish to be present for his children, the oldest of whom is 13. He missed four camp practices for personal reasons and was inactive on Sunday for the same reason. "Right now it is critical that I focus on my mental health," he wrote, adding that he owed it to his teammates, coaches and fans "to have my head and heart 100 percent in the game."
What did he leave behind?
The fourth overall pick in 2013 out of Oklahoma, Johnson made six Pro Bowls, was a first-team All-Pro twice and started on both of the franchise's Super Bowl winners. Owner Jeffrey Lurie said he played at an elite level across several coaching staffs and predicted a place in the Hall of Fame. Markel Bell, a rookie, started in his place against the Rams and is in line to start in London against Jacksonville.
Players in this story
Sources
- ESPN: Eagles All-Pro Lane Johnson retires, ending 14-season NFL career
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