Philadelphia Eagles star right tackle Lane Johnson announced on August 8, 2026, that the upcoming season will likely be his last in the NFL. Citing a shift in personal priorities toward his aging parents and children after 14 seasons, the 36-year-old veteran stated his retirement plan brings him peace of mind.
One of the best offensive linemen in the NFL is preparing for his final professional campaign. Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson announced Saturday that the 2026 season will likely be his last in the league, bringing clarity to a retirement decision that has been weighing on him since last year.
Johnson returned to training camp Friday after missing four practices due to an excused personal matter. Speaking with reporters after Saturday’s practice, the 36-year-old veteran made it clear that off-field priorities have fundamentally shifted his outlook on his career.
“As you get older, things change in your life, priorities. Your children get older, your parents get older, it just puts things into perspective. It’s looking like this is potentially going to be probably my last year just because I am getting to that point. Those priorities away from football are starting to merge. I love everything about this game and preparing for it, but this is kind of where I’m at in my career.”
Lane Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles right tackle
Family Commitments and the Decision to Go Public
Johnson revealed that his recent absence from training camp was tied directly to family issues, specifically attending to his parents. Having previously taken a leave of absence during the 2021 season to battle anxiety and depression—an experience he later shared openly at local mental health clinics—Johnson noted that his latest pause came from the natural pull of life away from the gridiron.
His teammates were already aware that he was contemplating hanging up his spikes, a process that began in earnest following an injury-plagued 2025 campaign.
Last season saw Johnson sidelined for Philadelphia’s final seven regular-season games as well as their wild-card playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers due to a Lisfranc injury. Rather than walking away on an injury note, Johnson confirmed in February that he would return for a 14th professional campaign to write a proper final chapter.
“I feel like planning on having a really good last year. I’m trying to soak in these last six months, seven months.”
Lane Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles right tackle
A Decorated Career and Immeasurable Value on the Field
Selected fourth overall by Philadelphia in the 2013 NFL Draft, Johnson built a reputation as a cornerstone of the franchise. Over 13 seasons, he has earned six Pro Bowl nods, two First-Team All-Pro selections (2017 and 2022), and three Second-Team honors, alongside winning two Super Bowl titles in 2017 and 2024.
Despite a lengthy injury history—having played a full 16-game schedule just twice in his career—Johnson remains elite at his position.
The offensive drop-off when Johnson leaves the field underscores his irreplaceable value. TruMedia data shows the Eagles averaged 0.04 EPA (Expected Points Added) per play with Johnson on the field since 2013, compared to -0.05 EPA per play when he is on the sidelines—a performance gap equivalent to the difference between a top-three NFL offense and a bottom-tier unit.
“I still feel like I can be a premier tackle in this league. My movement and everything feels good.”
Lane Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles right tackle
Preparing for Life After Johnson in Philadelphia
The Eagles front office has already started planning for the eventual transition. During Johnson’s recent absence from camp, third-round draft pick Markel Bell took first-team repetitions at right tackle. Bell, measuring an imposing 6-foot-9 and 345 pounds out of the Miami Hurricanes, provides both immediate injury insurance and a long-term succession plan.
Philadelphia is no stranger to navigating veteran departures and returns. The team previously managed retirement considerations with veteran pass rusher Brandon Graham, who initially retired before returning mid-season. For Johnson, however, the focus remains fixed on staying healthy and anchoring the offensive line for one final run.
