Lane Johnson
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
| Position | College | Years in the NFL |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive Tackle | University of Oklahoma | 11 |
Demonstrates Excellence on the Field
Now in his 11th season with the Eagles, Lane Johnson was originally drafted with the fourth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft and has gone on to earn four Pro Bowl appearances, three Associated Press All-Pro nods, and was part of the core that led Philadelphia to its first Super Bowl in 2017. He is also one of just three Eagles offensive linemen to be named to multiple Associated Press All-Pro teams and to earn three consecutive Pro Bowl nods.
In 2022, on the path to Super Bowl LVII, Johnson earned Pro Bowl and first-team Associated Press All-Pro recognition after leading an offensive line that helped the Eagles establish team records in points (477), rushing touchdowns (T-3rd in NFL history), third-down conversions (45.9%), and red zone touchdown efficiency (67.8%).
Demonstrates Dedication and Commitment to Community Efforts this Year
In June, Johnson announced a partnership with Kooth, a free and confidential mental health service for Philadelphia youth. As a Kooth ambassador, Johnson raises awareness for the program, ensuring that underserved youth or those hesitant to discuss their mental health are aware of accessible resources.
This year, Johnson has made an effort to localize his advocacy in the community, leading several talks on mental health, acceptance, and his treatment journey, including one at a local mental health clinic in Cherry Hill, NJ at the end of last year. "In this room, I saw a lot of people who can relate. Either they're suffering or know somebody who is suffering. I feel like there's a lot of power in sharing your story," Johnson said at the event, where he received a tour of the facility, spoke to a group of 25, and held a Q&A.
In addition, Lane is giving veterans a unique NFL experience though his Gold Star Family Initiative each week this season, hosting them at the game, meeting them pregame, and gifting each family with a jersey.
Demonstrates Dedication and Commitment to Community Efforts in Years Past
In 2021, Johnson opened up about his mental health in an intimate interview with FOX Sports, describing his experience as "living in hell for a long time." Johnson has lived with depression and anxiety since he was a teenager and has been increasingly open about his mental health journey. During the 2021 season, he unexpectedly missed three games due to anxiety and depression. Since, he has used his experience to advocate for mental health awareness and treatment. Johnson led his first speaking engagement in 2022 for the Jewish Federation of Atlantic and Cape May Counties in South Jersey, where he spoke to more than 80 people.
In 2022, Johnson recorded "A Philly Special Christmas" with teammates Jason Kelce and Jordan Mailata. The album gained national attention and raised more than $1.25 million for local Philadelphia charities. A second album was released in November.
Additionally, Johnson co-created the OL Masterminds Summit with Duke Mayweather in 2018, giving back to the offensive line community through advancement and appreciation.
Johnson has leveraged the NFL's My Cause My Cleats initiative to raise awareness for Waterboys, an organization dedicated to providing clean and accessible drinking water to communities. In past years, he has also represented Merging Vets & Players and Feherty's Troops First Foundation, both of which are committed to supporting service members, veterans, and their families through community-building, physical and emotional support, and resources.
Demonstrates Consistency in Positive Character and Models a Lifestyle of Giving Back
Johnson is passionate about combating the stigma surrounding mental health in sports and raising awareness in the Philadelphia community and beyond. He has made a point to start a conversation about mental health in the NFL specifically, being transparent about the resources the NFL has for players. He has also been open about working in a high-pressure industry as a perfectionist and has been clear about his journey to practice self-care and balance health with work. In his advocacy efforts, he's outlined tips that have helped him have a "balanced mental diet," including being conscious about how he spends his time, who he spends it with, and what he does to stay in touch with his emotions. For Johnson, understanding his mental health journey is intertwined with understanding his character.
Johnson has been praised for his transparency and demonstrates a deep commitment to the causes he is passionate about, whether it is supporting local charities or devoting himself to personal causes. Johnson is also a dedicated team player and is committed to strengthening the community on and off the field. He converted an old barn in his backyard into the "Bro Barn," where he hosts his teammates and other NFL players for workouts during the offseason.
