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Lane Johnson Retirement Reactions

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Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images | Getty Images

There had been speculation for a couple days, but Lane Johnson made his retirement official on Tuesday, announcing that he was stepping away from the NFL and the Philadelphia Eagles. The reactions were full of surprise and also filled with a lot of appreciation and respect for one of the best players to ever suit up — not just in Philly, but leaguewide.

Current and former teammates, Jeff Stoutland, and so many players from around the league showed their support for Johnson and the tough decision he had to make. The overall conclusion is that the legendary All Pro right tackle is about five years away from a gold jacket and bust in Canton. He changed the game in ways we may never fully appreciate, but everyone did their best to give Johnson his flowers as he steps away.

pic.twitter.com/T39yp5Phnd

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) October 6, 2026

It is extremely rare to come across a player like @LaneJohnson65. Extremely rare

In the spring of 2013, I found myself on a field in East Texas working out a young Lane Johnson. I believe he was 22 years old

All these years later, to say I am proud of the career you built and… pic.twitter.com/Fqd5owQhr5

— Jeff Stoutland (@CoachStoutland) October 6, 2026

Lane Johnson is a special player, but more importantly a special person! I love him like a brother!

For the past decade, Lane has been the best Right tackle in the NFL. His athleticism, technique, strength, and size, combined to make him a player few could get around. His…

— Jason Kelce (@JasonKelce) October 6, 2026

LOVE YOU BROTHER!!!! Always and forever!!!!!Thank you for everything man!!!! All the laughs,all the long talks,all the cries forever love you bro!!! Enjoy Retirement Hall of Famer!!! You deserve it!!!! @LaneJohnson65pic.twitter.com/TjFBEflN1f

— Trending Topic ????????‍♂️ (@BigTicket73) October 6, 2026

@LaneJohnson65 LOVE YOUR CHAMP !!! ???? pic.twitter.com/Z3e9IRgAFT

— C.J. Gardner-Johnson (@CGJXXIII) October 7, 2026

Thank you for always being you brother!! Love ya! @LaneJohnson65

We all appreciate you and everything you gave to the game!
Paved the way for many on and off the field!
One of the best to ever suit up!

Salute ????! ❤️????!! https://t.co/9cyVj9RGnH

— Andrew Whitworth (@AndrewWhitworth) October 6, 2026

A true legend! Congrats on an amazing career my guy!! https://t.co/EvmicGg44G

— Raheem Mostert (@RMos_8Ball) October 6, 2026

Since 2013, the Eagles are 122-63-1 when Lane Johnson started and 18-30 when he did not.

Eagles offensive EPA per play in that time frame:

Lane On the field: +0.06
Lane Off the field: -0.05

Build a statue for him.

— Ryan Paganetti (@RyanPaganetti) October 6, 2026

I’m very, very thankful that I got to watch Lane play football and see his commitment to his craft. His humility is something I hope my kids emulate.

— Honest NFL (@TheHonestNFL) October 6, 2026

Eagles OT Lane Johnson …

• Two-time Super Bowl champion.
• Five-time All-Pro (two time first-team).
• Six-time Pro Bowler.

… and a good guy with a good story. Arrived in junior college as a QB, and got to Oklahoma as one. Grew into a TE, then an OT. Became an all-timer.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) October 6, 2026

Lane Johnson’s message on mental health is worth highlighting.

He wanted to play one more season. Instead, after 14 years in the NFL, he recognized that his mental health and his family needed to come first.

Professional athletes are often expected to push through everything,… https://t.co/3QChfeS9rypic.twitter.com/ngaLvg6hRZ

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 6, 2026

When Lane Johnson said this was going to be his last year, I wondered … some guys can do it that way, but in football especially, I’ve heard the adage that if you’re thinking about retirement, you’re retired.
It demands a lot.

— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) October 6, 2026

Lane Johnson retires having not allowed a quick pressure (under 2.5 seconds) since Week 10 of 2024.

His streak of 558 pass blocks without allowing quick pressure is 210 longer than any active player in the NFL.#FlyEaglesFlypic.twitter.com/lsvlIwTuzF

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) October 6, 2026

The big thing with Lane Johnson’s absence is that we talk a lot about the philosophical changes on offense and how those changes affect Jalen Hurts and the skill players around him. But, it also affects the offensive line: communication, the landmarks, and the execution required…

— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) October 6, 2026