Lane Johnson: A Pillar of Strength and Consistency for the Eagles
As Lane Johnson embarks on his 12th year in the NFL, his legacy as the Philadelphia Eagles' right tackle is etched in stone. Since being drafted by the Eagles, Johnson has carved out a reputation as one of the league’s premier offensive linemen. Heading into the 2026 season, Johnson will be 36 years old, a testament to his enduring commitment to the game.
Johnson’s resume speaks volumes. A five-time Pro Bowl selection and twice honored with First Team All-Pro, his contributions to the Eagles are invaluable. Last season was no exception, as he added Second Team All-Pro honors to his ever-growing list of accolades. Over 547 pass-blocking snaps, Johnson allowed a mere 29 pressures, translating to a pressure rate per dropback of just 5.3%—staggering numbers for any offensive lineman.
Endurance and Strength
Standing at 325 pounds, Lane Johnson is a formidable presence on the field. Despite his size, he often finds himself feeling smaller next to his teammates. "Mekhi's a big man, so I feel small. I can't imagine how Cam [Jurgens] feels so, it's a good thing," he remarked, humorously highlighting the bulk of his fellow linemen Mekhi Becton, Landon Dickerson, and Jordan Mailata, each weighing over 330 pounds. Yet, it isn’t just his physical attributes that set Johnson apart but also his resilience and skill in neutralizing top-tier defensive threats.
Facing formidable opponents like Nick Bosa and Montez Sweat in three combined meetings, Johnson has consistently risen to the challenge, effectively protecting his quarterback and maintaining the integrity of his line. His ability to dominate such high-caliber players is a significant reason why he remains a cornerstone of the Eagles' offensive line.
Looking Ahead
With a contract that extends to the 2026 season, Johnson has an eye on the future, both professionally and personally. "I'm thinking two to three more years, realistically. But we'll see," he shared, indicating that while he still has gas left in the tank, he is mindful of the physical demands of his position. Aware of the examples set by veterans like Andrew Whitworth and Jason Peters, Johnson believes he could potentially play until 40. "I think physically I can do what [Andrew] Whitworth and JP [Jason Peters] did. I think I can play til 40," he said, expressing his ambition to match the longevity of these seasoned offensive linemen.
However, Johnson is also reflective about life beyond football. "What weighs on my mind is my kids are getting older, my dad is getting older. He had some health issues," he admitted. "Those are things that weigh on my mind. But at least, two, three, four good years." Balancing professional aspirations with personal responsibilities is a challenge every athlete faces, and Johnson is no exception as he navigates the twilight years of his career.
Driving Forward
Despite his introspective outlook, Johnson’s commitment to the team’s success remains unwavering. "For us, it's about whoever is in there the communication is good. We're not having any missed assignments, so that's progress in a good direction," he emphasized. His focus on constant improvement and flawless communication within the team underscores why he’s been an invaluable leader for the Eagles.
Reflecting on past challenges, Johnson is determined to avoid previous pitfalls. "We definitely don't want what happened in Tampa Bay happening again. A lot of answers to boot zero, fell and hot. We worked on that a lot. Still working on it," he noted, highlighting the team’s dedication to refining their strategies and preventing past mistakes.
Lane Johnson’s journey through the NFL has been marked by remarkable achievements, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to excellence. As he continues to protect the Eagles' quarterback and lead by example, Johnson remains a beacon of strength and stability. With at least two to three more years on the horizon, the Philadelphia faithful can take solace in knowing that their right tackle, Lane Johnson, isn’t done yet.