Lane Johnson approaches his 12th year in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles, firmly established as one of the premier right tackles in the league. As a cornerstone of the Eagles' offensive line, Johnson's accolades continue to amass, reflecting his impact on the game.
A Career of Excellence
Throughout his NFL tenure, Johnson has been selected to the Pro Bowl five times, highlighting his consistent performance at the highest levels of professional football. His prowess on the field has also earned him First Team All-Pro honors on two occasions, solidifying his status among the elite in his position. Most recently, he garnered Second Team All-Pro honors, further demonstrating his enduring excellence.
Johnson's effectiveness in pass-blocking was particularly notable last season. Over 547 pass-blocking snaps, he allowed only 29 pressures, resulting in a pressure rate of 5.3% per dropback. This level of performance underscores why he has been able to neutralize top-tier opponents such as Nick Bosa and Montez Sweat in their combined three encounters.
Looking Ahead
At 33, Johnson is under contract until the 2026 season, which will see him turning 36 by the end of the deal. Reflecting on his future in the sport, Johnson said, "I'm thinking two to three more years, realistically. But we'll see." He added, "Those are things that weigh on my mind. But at least, two, three, four good years."
Balancing a demanding career, Johnson is also mindful of his family responsibilities. "What weighs on my mind is my kids are getting older, my dad is getting older. He had some health issues," he shared, hinting at the personal considerations that might influence his football journey.
Physical and Mental Fortitude
Despite considering the future, Johnson remains confident in his ability to perform at an elite level for years to come. "I think physically I can do what [Andrew] Whitworth and JP [Jason Peters] did. I think I can play til 40," he asserted, drawing comparisons to other veteran linemen who extended their careers well into their late 30s and early 40s.
At 325 pounds, Johnson is part of a formidable Eagles offensive line. He jokingly remarked on how he feels smaller compared to some of his heavier teammates, such as Mekhi Becton, Landon Dickerson, and Jordan Mailata, all of whom tip the scales at over 330 pounds. "Mekhi's a big man, so I feel small. I can't imagine how Cam [Jurgens] feels so, it's a good thing," Johnson noted with a touch of humor.
Team Dynamics
The offensive line's success isn't just a result of individual talent but also of seamless communication and coordination. "For us, it's about whoever is in there the communication is good. We're not having any missed assignments, so that's progress in a good direction," Johnson emphasized. This focus on teamwork and execution is crucial, especially after learning from past experiences. Reflecting on a challenging game, Johnson admitted, "We definitely don't want what happened in Tampa Bay happening again. A lot of answers to boot zero, fell and hot. We worked on that a lot. Still working on it."
As Lane Johnson continues to anchor the Eagles' offensive line, his dedication, skill, and leadership remain indispensable. With a combination of personal motivation and professional commitment, Johnson's next chapters with the Eagles promise to be as impactful as the ones he's already written.