Lane Johnson wanted one more season with the Eagles. On Tuesday, the longtime right tackle announced that his priorities had changed and he was retiring from football.
Johnson, 36, leaves after 14 seasons with Philadelphia, six Pro Bowl selections, two first-team All-Pro honors and two Super Bowl championships.
In a statement posted to social media, Johnson said the decision came after considerable reflection about his family and mental health.
“I deeply wanted to gut it out for one more year; to take the field with my brothers for one last season,” he wrote. “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.”
Johnson had already indicated during training camp that this would likely be his final season. He spoke about both parents dealing with health issues and wanting more time with his children.
Thank you. 🦅 pic.twitter.com/up2kH1K40p
— Lane Johnson (@LaneJohnson65) October 6, 2026
His retirement comes two days after he was unexpectedly inactive for Philadelphia’s loss to the Rams. Rookie Markel Bell started in his place.
The Eagles selected Johnson fourth overall out of Oklahoma in 2013. He became a fixture on their offensive line and helped deliver the franchise’s only two Super Bowl titles.
He ultimately decided he could no longer give football the full commitment he believed his teammates deserved.
“I owe it to my teammates, coaches, the organization and the fans to have my head and heart 100 percent in the game,” Johnson wrote. “And right now my heart is telling me that it’s time to say goodbye to football.”
