Lane Johnson's time with the Philadelphia Eagles is coming to an abrupt end.
Johnson, the Eagles' longtime right tackle, announced on Tuesday, Oct. 6 he was retiring from the NFL after 14 seasons.
"I have given it my all for 14 years; season after season pushing my body to the max and tirelessly working my craft to not only live up to the legacy of the guys that came before me, but to set a new standard of success for the best franchise in all of sports," Johnson wrote.
"I deeply wanted to gut it out for one more year; to take the field with my brothers for one last season," he continued. "But after a lot of reflection, I've realized that my personal and family priorities in my life have changed. Right now, it is critical that I focus on my mental
health. I owe it to my teammates, coaches, the organization and the fans to have my head and heart 100 percent in the game. And right now my heart is telling me that it's time to say goodbye to football."
Johnson praised the Eagles faithful in his message, referring to them as "the best fans" and calling Philadelphia "the most prideful city in the entire world."
Johnson reflected fondly on his two Super Bowl wins with the Eagles and spoke glowingly of the organization where he played his entire career.
"Riding up Broad Street as a World Champion, not once, but twice, and seeing the city in all its glory was the ultimate privilege; I'll never forget it," Johnson wrote.
"Thank you to Jeffrey Lurie and the entire Eagles organization for taking a chance on a kid from small-town East Texas, and changing my life forever. And thank you to the many coaches and teammates I've had the honor of working with and playing alongside for the past 14 years; ya'll have become lifelong friends and the brothers that I never had."
Johnson also candidly admitted he wants to "focus on my mental health" as he steps away from the NFL.
"Right now, what's most important to me is continuing to focus on my mental health and spending more time with my kids and family," Johnson wrote. "But Philadelphia will always be home, and I will forever be an Eagle. Thank you for the love and the enduring support."
Johnson started 171 regular-season games across his 14 seasons with the Eagles. He was voted an All-Pro first-teamer twice, garnered three All-Pro second-team nods, and was also voted to six Pro Bowls.
Johnson won two Super Bowls with the Eagles and appeared in 15 postseason games during his career.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lane Johnson retires as Eagles lose franchise pillar in sudden announcement
