From the HERE City National Desk
Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson announced his retirement Tuesday in the middle of his 14th NFL season, saying he needs to focus on his mental health.
In a statement posted on social media, Johnson said he had deeply wanted to gut it out for one more year with his teammates, but that his personal and family priorities have changed. He said he owed it to his teammates, coaches and fans to have his head and heart fully in the game.
Johnson, 36, was a surprise inactive for the Eagles’ Week 4 home game against the Los Angeles Rams for personal reasons after playing the first three games. He had previously said this season would likely be his last.
The two-time Super Bowl champion spent his entire career in Philadelphia after the Eagles took him fourth overall in the 2013 draft out of Oklahoma, where he converted from quarterback and tight end to the offensive line. He finishes as a six-time Pro Bowler and officials noted two-time first-team All-Pro.
Johnson has spoken openly for years about living with anxiety and depression. The Eagles called him one of the best players ever at his position and credited his mental health advocacy with saving lives. Philadelphia is 112-58-1 since drafting him and 18-28 in games he missed.
