The Philadelphia Eagles changed dramatically during Lane Johnson’s career. Coaches departed, quarterbacks changed, and championship rosters were rebuilt.
Johnson remained.
His retirement removes one of the central figures connecting the two greatest teams in franchise history. He started at right tackle when Philadelphia defeated New England in Super Bowl LII, earning the organization’s first Lombardi Trophy. Seven years later, he was still protecting the edge when the Eagles won Super Bowl LIX.
Johnson was not simply a symbolic link between those championships. He remained an elite player.
🦅 Brandon Graham
— NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2026
🦅 Lane Johnson
🦅 Fletcher Cox
🦅 Jason Kelce
End of an era for the Eagles. pic.twitter.com/NxBs9VDPpS
In 2024, he allowed no sacks and only
one quarterback hit in 451 pass-blocking opportunities. His work helped the Eagles establish an NFL rushing record when regular-season and postseason production were combined. Saquon Barkley also became the second NFL rushing champion to run behind Johnson, following LeSean McCoy in 2013.
That sustained performance explains Johnson’s place in franchise history. He earned six Pro Bowl selections, five AP All-Pro honors and played on three NFC championship teams.
His career also mirrored the organization’s transformation. Johnson arrived in 2013 as an unusually athletic prospect who had previously played quarterback, tight end and defensive end. He developed into a foundational offensive tackle and, eventually, Philadelphia’s longest-tenured player.
Johnson leaves with 171 regular-season starts and 15 postseason starts. More importantly, he leaves with two championships and a permanent place among the franchise's greatest offensive linemen.
Philadelphia will need to replace him in the lineup. Replacing what Johnson represented will be much harder.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Lane Johnson’s retirement closes another chapter of Eagles history
