On Tuesday, longtime Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson announced his retirement from football.
The 14-year veteran, who was a late scratch against the Rams for personal reasons, cited mental health as one reason he’s stepping away from the game.
When his time comes, the six-time Pro Bowler will likely be enshrined in Canton at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
During training camp, Johnson said the 2026 season would likely be his last in the NFL, but his retirement came earlier than expected.
As the Eagles prepare to face the Jaguars on Sunday in London, head coach Nick Sirianni reflected on his relationship with Johnson.
“Love Lane,” Sirianni said. “I’ll miss him dearly, and I wish him the best. Obviously, that’s not the end of mine and Lane’s relationship. I feel like that’s a relationship that will last through our lives, but just want him to be his best. Like I said, love him and everything that he stood for and everything that he is.”
With Johnson retired, the Eagles will turn to rookie RT Markel Bell. Sirianni says he’s excited for Bell’s opportunity.
“I feel good about where we are in that room,” Sirianni said. “I’m really excited for [T] Markel [Bell]’s opportunity. Thought under the circumstances of last week that he handled that really well and excited about the growth that he’s going to be able to have this year, and I’m excited for him.”
It’s early, but the Eagles have dealt with a lot of adversity. Their offensive line is in flux due to Landon Dickerson’s injury, Johnson’s retirement, and the trade of Cam Jurgens. They’ve also dealt with injuries to Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith.
However, Sirianni believes the Eagles can grow stronger through those challenges.
“It’s crazy,” Sirianni said. “But adversity, every adversity that I’ve been in through my life, they’re not comfortable at the time, but they produce the most growth. I am truly, truly thankful for the adversities that I go through, even though they’re not comfortable at the time, and what a message I have to be able to send to the team, my kids, of that. I think that just being able to relay that and that message, and like I said, lock arms and let’s go.”
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