Lane Johnson Retires, Citing Mental Health and Family Priorities

Lane Johnson announced his retirement from the Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday, saying changed personal and family priorities made it critical to focus on his mental health. The decision, four games into the 2026 NFL season, prompted criticism from Stephen A. Smith on First Take and a public exchange with colleague Kimberley Martin, followed by backlash from NFL figures and fans. Johnson said he had wanted to play one final season with his teammates but concluded his priorities had changed. He also said he owed his teammates, coaches, the organization and fans his full effort, and that he could not provide it unless his head and heart were fully in the game. The reports describe his retirement as coming during his 14th NFL season, after 14 seasons with Philadelphia. On Wednesday’s program, Smith questioned why Johnson chose to retire during the season rather than before it began or in the offseason. Smith speculated that the Eagles’ difficulties contributed to the decision, arguing that a player would be less likely to walk away if the team were winning and contending for a Super Bowl.