Philadelphia, PA – June 30, 2025
A beloved Philadelphia Eagles veteran has opened up about a powerful personal journey — one that reaches far beyond the gridiron. In a moment of raw honesty, the longtime Eagle credited a single symbol of brotherhood and identity for helping him survive his darkest days: his Eagles jersey.
Lane Johnson, All-Pro right tackle and Super Bowl LII champion, shared his story on The Mind Game Podcast, revealing how his battles with anxiety and depression nearly drove him away from football — and life itself.
“There was a point I thought I was done,” Johnson said. “The pressure, the noise, the feeling that you’re not enough — it piles up. But I looked up one day in the locker room, saw that midnight green jersey hanging there… and I just broke down. I realized that jersey wasn’t just a uniform — it was a lifeline.”
Johnson missed several games in 2021 to prioritize his mental health, a move that drew both support and scrutiny. But since then, he has become one of the NFL’s most outspoken advocates for athlete mental wellness, often describing the Eagles organization as the place that "gave him space to heal."
“Philly didn’t just build me,” Johnson reflected. “They saved me. That jersey kept me connected to something bigger than myself.”
Drafted 4th overall in 2013, Johnson has become one of the most respected linemen of his generation, anchoring one of the league’s best offensive lines for over a decade. Fans have long admired his toughness on the field — now, they’re embracing his vulnerability off of it.
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman praised Johnson’s strength in a team statement: “Lane’s honesty, grit, and love for this city are what make him a true Eagle. He’s more than a player — he’s a brother to everyone who wears that jersey.”
Social media erupted with messages of support after the podcast aired:
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“That man fights for all of us, every Sunday. Glad he fought for himself too.”
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“Midnight green saved him. Now he inspires the whole city.”
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“Lane’s story hits hard — he showed us it’s OK to ask for help.”
Johnson’s story joins a growing chorus of NFL players opening up about the hidden battles they face. But for Philadelphia, his testimony feels especially close to home — because it’s not just about football. It’s about identity, resilience, and the bond between a city and the warrior who never stopped protecting it.
Stay tuned to ESPN!
