Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson has just made a very important promise to those of legal drinking age in Philadelphia.
"I have a lot to prove to this city," Johnson said Sunday, via ESPN.com. "I think if we have a few big years and make the playoffs, if we win a Super Bowl, I'm giving out beer to everybody."
While the quote is supposed to be the centerpiece of a Johnson redemption story, it may just have perfectly summed up the Eagles tackle on his own. Johnson has already explained and apologized profusely for his second violation of the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances, which cost him 10 games a year ago. In the meantime, he's done the only thing he's really had to do this offseason.
"Johnson says he has cut out supplements altogether, and is instead relying on more strict diet. Johnson says he is as heavy he's ever been at around 325 pounds, and feeling stronger than ever."
Johnson, the former No. 4 overall pick in the 2013 draft and recipient of a six-year, $66 million deal last January, is a top five right tackle when healthy and on the field. During the games prior to his suspension last year the Eagles offensive line as a unit was looking like the perfect fit for a budding young quarterback in Carson Wentz. Only when they had to start looking for outside options, did problems develop.
Johnson will ultimately find forgiveness in on-field longevity and team success. The beer, assuming it's a local selection like Victory or Neshaminy Creek couldn't hurt though.