Lane Johnson’s journey to becoming one of the greatest offensive linemen in Philadelphia Eagles history began at a position few would associate with him.
Quarterback.
Johnson entered Kilgore College in Texas as a 202-pound quarterback. After transferring to Oklahoma, he continued searching for a permanent position, spending time at tight end and defensive end before moving to the offensive line.
The transformation was extraordinary. Johnson added size without losing the movement skills he developed earlier in his football career. By the end of his Oklahoma career, he had become one of the most athletic tackle prospects ever evaluated. Philadelphia selected him fourth overall in the 2013 NFL draft. He started all 16 games as a rookie and never appeared
in an NFL game as a reserve.
Fourteen seasons later, Johnson retires with 171 regular-season starts, 15 postseason starts, six Pro Bowl selections and five Associated Press All-Pro honors. He helped the Eagles win Super Bowls LII and LIX and played on three NFC championship teams.
Johnson’s unusual background remained visible throughout his career. He possessed the foot speed to match explosive edge rushers, the balance to recover when initially beaten and the athleticism to block in space. Those attributes allowed the Eagles to build protection and running concepts around his range.
His development also reflected persistent work. Athletic traits made Johnson a premier prospect, but technique, preparation and toughness made him an elite professional. Few players have traveled a less conventional route to NFL stardom. A quarterback from small-town East Texas became the standard for right-tackle play and one of the most decorated players in Eagles history.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Lane Johnson’s unlikely path led from a 202-pound QB to Eagles immortality
