Stephen A. Smith takes ridiculous shot at Lane Johnson for surprise Eagles retirement image
The Philadelphia Eagles got some massive news on Tuesday, as legendary and potentially future Hall of Fame offensive tackle Lane Johnson announced his decision to retire from the NFL.
It was a surprise for everyone, as Johnson was playing well so far this season and is now stepping away in the middle of the year. It's a huge loss for the Eagles, and Stephen A. Smith took exception to Johnson's decision.
On Twitter/x, @awfulannouncing shared the clip of Smith on First Take, where Smith called out Johnson for the timing of his retirement announcement with a ridiculous shot that was out of line for the veteran Eagles offensive tackle.
Stephen A. Smith takes ridiculous shot at Lane Johnson for retirement decision
"Not he calls it quits," Smith said. "Not before the season. Not in the offseason... Four games into the 2026 season, a dude that has been in the league forever sits back and says, 'I need to focus on my mental health.'"
Smith continued, "You walk away because it's a very, very, very bad situation, and it doesn't look to be getting any better. And this brother said, 'Hey, my life matters. It's time. I'm gonna call it quits. My mental health, my mental..."
This comment from Smith is completely out of line. Johnson has been a mental health advocate for a while now and is stepping away not only to focus on his mental health, but to be there with his family.
To put down Johnson in any way is a step too far. Not to mention all that he's done for the Eagles during his NFL career, which has spanned 14 years; this mid-season retirement will not sully his legacy with the franchise whatsoever.
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Smith calling out Johnson for his retirement decision, but making light of Johnson's mental health and instead alluding to the Eagles' struggles this season as to why he's stepping away, is a ridiculous stance to take.
There's no denying that this is a massive blow for the Eagles, and that had Johnson retired over the offseason, the Eagles might've been better prepared to find a replacement.
But there shouldn't be any blame on Johnson for the issues the Eagles are dealing with now. He's a two-time Super Bowl champion who was in his last season in the NFL even before announcing his retirement.
This shot from Smith directed at Johnson for his decision to retire is completely ridiculous. Making light of mental health issues does no one any good, and Smith's comments Wednesday morning were incredibly egregious.
Smith did later state the following to try and deflect from his ridiculous remarks about Johnson: "Let me be very, very clear and specific about what I'm saying, I would never make light of mental health issues."
But his initial commentary on Johnson's decision to retire mid-season was ridiculous and downright disrespectful. Smith should apologize for these comments, as it was a clear step too far, even for a talk show meant to rile up fans and draw attention.
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