He’s not done yet. Not even close. But if retirement came calling tomorrow, his gold jacket would already be waiting.
Philadelphia Eagles superstar Jason Kelce may have officially hung up his cleats earlier this year, but there’s another Eagle—still suiting up every Sunday—who’s quietly building one of the most dominant resumes in NFL history: Lane Johnson.
The 34-year-old right tackle, who continues to anchor one of the league’s most feared offensive lines, is playing at an elite level few have sustained this deep into their careers. And while offensive linemen often get overlooked in highlight reels and MVP chatter, Johnson’s work has not gone unnoticed by those who understand the game.
“He’s not just one of the best linemen of his era—he’s one of the best of any era,” said Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni. “If you’re starting an NFL franchise tomorrow, and you want to protect your quarterback’s blind side, you’d still take Lane Johnson over almost anyone else.”
Drafted 4th overall in 2013, Johnson has spent his entire career in Philadelphia. Over that time, he’s racked up multiple All-Pro selections, a Super Bowl championship, and, perhaps most remarkably, an undefeated record when he starts and plays fully healthy over several seasons.
Known for his freakish athleticism, unmatched technique, and bulldog mentality, Johnson has shut down the NFL’s most dangerous pass rushers year after year. Whether it’s Nick Bosa, Myles Garrett, or Micah Parsons, Johnson makes them disappear—and he makes it look easy.
But it’s not just his play on the field that sets him apart. Johnson has been a tireless advocate for mental health, publicly sharing his own battles with anxiety and depression. His courage to speak out has helped destigmatize mental wellness in the brutal, macho world of professional football.
“Being open about my struggles was never easy,” Johnson admitted in a recent interview. “But if it helps one player, one fan, or one kid out there feel less alone, then it’s worth it. Football’s my job, but being human comes first.”
He’s also become a mentor in the Eagles locker room—guiding rookies, encouraging veterans, and quietly helping shape one of the league’s most tightly bonded teams.
Despite whispers about age and durability, Johnson’s play remains among the league’s elite. Analysts routinely rank him as the best right tackle in football, and offensive line coaches across the NFL refer to him as a once-in-a-generation talent.
When it comes time for Hall of Fame voters to make their selections, they won’t need to look twice. Lane Johnson is already a first-ballot lock—and he’s not even done writing his story.
As the Eagles gear up for another Super Bowl run, Johnson remains at the heart of their identity: tough, relentless, and quietly legendary. Some players chase greatness. Others become it, play by play, year by year, with no spotlight needed. Lane Johnson is that kind of Eagle. The kind who soars long before the game ever ends.