Former Philadelphia Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland reflected on a relationship that began on a field in East Texas more than 13 years ago after Lane Johnson announced his retirement Tuesday.
Stoutland recalled traveling to work out Johnson during the spring of 2013, when the future Eagles right tackle was a 22-year-old prospect preparing for the NFL draft. Philadelphia eventually selected Johnson fourth overall, beginning a partnership that would help produce two Super Bowl championships.
“It is extremely rare to come across a player like Lane Johnson,” Stoutland wrote. “Extremely rare.”
Johnson developed into one of the NFL’s premier offensive tackles under Stoutland, earning six Pro Bowl selections and five Associated Press All-Pro
honors. He started all 171 regular-season games and another 15 postseason games during 14 seasons with Philadelphia.
It is extremely rare to come across a player like @LaneJohnson65. Extremely rare
— Jeff Stoutland (@CoachStoutland) October 6, 2026
In the spring of 2013, I found myself on a field in East Texas working out a young Lane Johnson. I believe he was 22 years old
All these years later, to say I am proud of the career you built and… pic.twitter.com/Fqd5owQhr5
Johnson also became a foundational figure on an Eagles offensive line that consistently ranked among the league’s best. His combination of athleticism, power, and intelligence allowed Philadelphia to trust him in isolated pass protection against elite edge rushers.
The two shared their greatest team successes during the Eagles’ championship seasons. Johnson helped Philadelphia defeat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII and remained an elite performer seven years later during the run to a Super Bowl LIX championship.
Stoutland’s message extended beyond Johnson’s football résumé. He expressed pride in the person his former player became during their years together.
“All these years later, to say I am proud of the career you built and the man you became would be an understatement,” Stoutland wrote. “A Hall of Fame career.”
Stoutland called coaching Johnson a privilege and an honor, then closed his message with a direct expression of pride.
Johnson’s retirement ends one of the most successful player-coach partnerships in franchise history, but Stoutland’s tribute made clear their relationship extended well beyond the practice field.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Jeff Stoutland shares a heartfelt message to Lane Johnson
