With a giant smile, Lane Johnson said “yes” when asked if he will feel lonely in the Eagles’ locker room after Brandon Graham retires. This comes on top of Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox retiring last March.
“It will be a little different,” Johnson said about playing without Eagles legends and his closest friends. He will indeed miss Graham and his trash-talking in practice and on game day.
The Eagles’ star right tackle is now the longest-tenured player on the team—and the last man standing, among non-kickers—from their 2017 Super Bowl championship squad.
“I love my football family. I’m an only child, so my brothers are here," Johnson said to reporters over Zoom today.
Johnson, about to turn 35 years old—ancient by NFL standards—will undoubtedly be called upon to take on even more of a leadership role both on and off the field.
It’s a tall order for most, but not for the 6-foot-6, 325-pound lineman.
With his fellow Eagles legends retiring, Johnson admits he has been reflecting on his own career and is unsure when it will be his time to call it quits.
He recently agreed to a one-year contract extension through the 2027 season.
"It's very possible. I think when you get to this stage of your career, you take it year by year. But physically, I feel really good," Johnson said.
Johnson hopes to play at least three more years, honoring his contract extension. He even looks to Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James as inspiration for prolonging his athletic career.
“I love the challenge of being an older player,” Johnson said.
While he once thought his body would break down with age, that hasn’t been the case. He credits his conditioning and the Eagles’ staff for helping to extend his career.
“Physically, I feel really good,” Johnson said.
Johnson takes care of his body as well as anyone in the NFL. He has a home gym in a barn. Yes, a barn, which he calls his 'Bro Barn' in South Jersey, just a short drive to Eagles headquarters in South Philadelphia. Johnson, not only keeps his body NFL-ready there, but he's also invited Eagles teammates and other NFL players from across the league to the barn.
When the time comes to retire, Johnson plans to take his time, spending at least a few months in the offseason to reflect before making a final decision.
Before he walks away, he wants to pass along everything he’s learned—from the Eagles’ culture to what it takes to be a true professional.
“It would be an honor to be a part of the process,” Johnson said about potentially mentoring his successor if and when Eagles general manager Howie Roseman brings someone in.
“I never wanted to go to another team. They have been pivotal in my development. I couldn’t be more excited to stay here,” Johnson said.
The six-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro has cemented himself as an Eagles legend since being drafted fourth overall in 2013 out of Oklahoma. His pursuit of a third Super Bowl title will only add to his legacy.