LANE JOHNSON, RIGHT TACKLE
A five-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro selection, Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson has been one of the league's most consistent and productive players over the past decade. As important as he has been and continues to be for the Eagles on the field, it is his long history of serving active-duty military members, veterans, and their families that speaks to his great character and leadership. As the team's 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee, Johnson designated the Bucks County-based Travis Manion Foundation as his charity of choice. The foundation, named in honor of First Lieutenant Travis Manion who was killed in action in 2007, offers several programs for veterans and the families of fallen soldiers. His support for the foundation led to his involvement with the Gold Star Family initiative where he meets with families the night before every road game and provides them with game tickets for the next day. In July 2023, Johnson stepped up and made a very generous donation to help fund – and ultimately save – the Veteran Golfers Association's annual state championship, which ran into a financing issue. Three years earlier, in December 2020 while rehabbing from ankle surgery, Johnson met with military families through Operation Homefront and provided them with turkeys, gift cards, and Rita's Italian Ice. It was his way of helping military families so they could enjoy an even bigger and better holiday season in the communities that they live in and serve. The former first-round draft pick is trained by a Marine veteran and also works out with a former Navy SEAL. A three-time team captain, Johnson's exceptional efforts to honor and support military personnel have also included frequent visits to the Philadelphia VA Medical Center and advocacy around mental health awareness for active and retired service members.