Eagles’ Lane Johnson’s Surprise Retirement To Prioritize His Mental Health Met With Support From Zach Ertz

Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Lane Johnson announced before the season that 2026 would be his last, but after four weeks, the veteran called it quits and immediately retired from the NFL.

Johnson spent his entire 14-year career with the Eagles and became good friends with longtime teammate Zach Ertz.

Johnson’s Instagram announcement drew a flurry of support from Eagles fans and his teammates. He had become beloved in Philadelphia.

The tackle decided to leave the team because his heart could not be 100% committed anymore, citing prioritizing family and his mental health as the reason. He was surprisingly inactive in Week 4 after playing 181 total snaps the first three weeks. “I wanted to gut it out for one more year… but after a lot of reflection, I’ve realized that my personal and family priorities have changed. Right now it is critical that I focus on my mental health,” said Johnson in his official announcement on social media.

Among the many comments filled with love and gratitude, Eagles veteran TE Zach Ertz wrote, “every step of the way,” and shared pictures of the two during their time together on the team.

The two Eagles legends won the 2017 Super Bowl together, though Ertz wasn’t part of their most recent win, as he left the Eagles in 2021 before returning this offseason, playing two games so far and currently listed on the practice squad.

Both will go down as legends in Philadelphia. Johnson’s retirement came first, with Ertz still having time left and expected to keep getting reps amid the injury problems at the TE position.

Johnson closed his statement with “Philadelphia will always be home, and I will forever be an Eagle. Thank you for the love and enduring support.”