Philadelphia Eagles, Lane Johnson
‘This Is Likely My Last Season’ — Lane Johnson Opens Up on Family Responsibilities as Eagles Veteran Nears Retirement 1
Lane Johnson has spent more than a decade protecting quarterbacks in the Philadelphia Eagles; however, as the Eagles veteran enters his 14th NFL season, his priorities away from football are becoming harder to ignore.
The offensive tackle missed four practices during training camp for personal reasons before returning to the team. When he explained the absence, he pointed to his aging parents and children getting older. He also made something else clear: 2026 could be his final season.
Lane Johnson Says Family Responsibilities Could End His Philadelphia Eagles Career
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Jul 24, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Lane Johnson (65) looks on during training camp at NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Johnson did not make a formal retirement announcement; however, his comments left little doubt that he is seriously considering walking away after the season.
The veteran said his parents’ health and his children’s age have changed the way he views his career. His oldest child is approaching 13, and Johnson acknowledged that some moments in family life cannot be recovered once they pass.
Lane Johnson missed the early portion of training camp for personal reasons. The #Eagles RT later referenced his aging parents when he returned and was asked why he missed several practices.
He also announced that this was likely to be his last season. https://t.co/gCrSqGPo1h
— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) October 4, 2026
Johnson also revealed that his mother is dealing with health issues. That was part of what prompted his time away from the Eagles during camp. He has already discussed the possibility of retirement with his family and has told teammates he intends to treat this season as his last. Johnson said having those conversations has actually made it easier to focus on football.
That does not mean he feels finished as a player. The 36-year-old remains confident in what he can do on the field and believes he can still play at a high level. After missing the final stretch of the 2025 season with a Lisfranc injury, he wanted another chance to finish his career on his own terms rather than end it while sidelined.
That belief is backed by a career that has made Johnson one of the most accomplished offensive linemen in Eagles history. Philadelphia selected him fourth overall out of Oklahoma in 2013, and he has since earned six Pro Bowl selections and two first-team All-Pro honors.
He has also been part of both Super Bowl-winning teams in franchise history. Johnson’s career is now entering a different stage. He can still be the veteran right tackle the Eagles rely on; however, the reasons for pulling him away from football are becoming more compelling.
His family has already influenced the decision. Whether this season becomes his final chapter will be decided after the football season is over. For now, Johnson is trying to make the most of what could be his last run with the Eagles.