Lane Johnson, the Philadelphia Eagles' rock-solid right tackle, has been a key player for over a decade. Born on May 8, 1990, in Groveton, Texas, Johnson's journey from a small-town athlete to an NFL star is nothing short of inspiring. His versatility, transitioning from quarterback to tight end, then to defensive end, and finally finding his true calling as an offensive lineman, showcases his adaptability and determination. Johnson's career is marked by numerous accolades, including multiple Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl victory. Off the field, he is known for his commitment to fitness and community involvement.
Key Takeaways:
- Lane Johnson's inspiring journey from a small Texas town to NFL stardom showcases the power of hard work and resilience, proving that dedication can turn dreams into reality.
- Despite facing personal challenges and injuries, Lane Johnson's impact on and off the field has made him a beloved figure in Philadelphia, leaving a lasting legacy as a top NFL offensive lineman.
Lane Johnson: From Groveton to the NFL
Lane Johnson's journey from a small town in Texas to becoming one of the NFL's top offensive linemen is nothing short of inspiring. His story is filled with hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
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Birth and Early Life: Born on May 8, 1990, in Groveton, Texas, Lane Johnson grew up as an only child. His early years were marked by a strong interest in sports.
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High School Football: At Groveton High School, Johnson played football as a quarterback and earned an honorable mention All-state selection. He also excelled in track and field, particularly in throwing events like the shot put.
College Years: Finding His True Calling
Lane's college years were a period of discovery and transformation. He switched positions multiple times before finding his true calling as an offensive lineman.
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College Football: Johnson started his college career at Kilgore College, playing quarterback and tight end. He transferred to the University of Oklahoma in 2009.
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Redshirting at Oklahoma: During his freshman year, Johnson redshirted and joined the practice squad as a quarterback, laying the foundation for his future roles.
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Transition to Tight End: In 2010, Johnson transitioned to tight end, but his versatility soon led to another position change.
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Switch to Defensive End: In the spring of 2011, Johnson switched to defensive end. However, his natural blocking abilities soon led coaches to move him to offensive tackle.
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Starting Right Tackle: By the fall of 2011, Johnson was named the Sooners' starting right tackle, excelling in this role for the rest of his college career.
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Left Tackle Experience: In his senior year, Johnson switched to left tackle, starting 11 of 13 games and earning a third-team All-American selection by CBSSports.com.
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Senior Bowl Hall of Fame: In June 2023, Johnson was inducted into the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame, recognizing his outstanding college career.
Entering the NFL: A Rising Star
Lane Johnson's entry into the NFL marked the beginning of a stellar professional career. His early years with the Philadelphia Eagles set the stage for his future success.
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NFL Draft Selection: The Philadelphia Eagles selected Johnson with the fourth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, making him the third offensive tackle taken in the top four picks.
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Rookie Season Debut: Johnson made his professional debut in the Eagles' season-opening victory over the Washington Redskins, starting all 16 regular-season games as a rookie.
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First Playoff Game: On January 4, 2014, Johnson started his first career playoff game against the New Orleans Saints, showcasing his skills despite the Eagles' loss.
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Performance-Enhancing Drugs Suspension: In June 2014, Johnson tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs and was suspended for the first four games of the season. He allowed only one sack in the remaining games.
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Pro Football Focus Rankings: During his rookie season, Pro Football Focus ranked Johnson as the second-best right tackle and the 13th overall offensive lineman.
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2014 Season Performance: Despite his suspension, Johnson's performance helped the Eagles finish second in the NFC East with a 10–6 record.
Establishing Dominance: Pro Bowl and Super Bowl Success
Lane Johnson's career continued to flourish as he became a key player for the Eagles, earning Pro Bowl selections and contributing to a Super Bowl victory.
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2015 Season: Johnson started all 16 regular-season games, solidifying his position as one of the top right tackles in the league.
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2016 Season: Despite playing only six games due to injury, Johnson remained a crucial part of the Eagles' offense.
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2017 Season: Johnson played a pivotal role in the Eagles' turnaround season, starting 15 games and helping the team achieve a 13–3 record.
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Pro Bowl Selection: On December 19, 2017, Johnson was named to his first Pro Bowl, earning a $250,000 bonus for his impressive performance.
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Super Bowl LII Champion: Johnson was a key contributor to the Eagles' victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII, protecting quarterback Nick Foles.
Continued Excellence and Personal Challenges
Lane Johnson's career has been marked by continued excellence on the field and personal challenges off it. His resilience and dedication have made him a beloved figure in Philadelphia sports.
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2018 Season: Johnson started 15 games and received an overall grade of 85.2 from Pro Football Focus, ranking fifth among all offensive tackles.
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2019 Season: Despite starting only 12 games due to injuries, Johnson remained a vital part of the Eagles' offense.
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2020 Season: Johnson played seven games before being placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury.
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2021 Season: Johnson sat out three games due to a battle with depression but returned to play and caught his first-ever touchdown pass from quarterback Jalen Hurts. He was named a second-team All-Pro for the season.
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2022 Season: Johnson set an NFL record by not allowing a sack in 26 consecutive games but suffered a torn tendon in his abdomen, missing the remainder of the regular season. The Eagles reached Super Bowl LVII but lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Off the Field: Personal Life and Community Involvement
Lane Johnson's impact extends beyond the football field. His personal life and community involvement reflect his values and dedication to making a positive impact.
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Contract Extension: On March 24, 2023, the Eagles signed Johnson to a one-year contract extension through the 2026 season with million guaranteed.
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Personal Life: Johnson met his wife in college at the University of Oklahoma, and they have three children together. Since 2019, he has been divorced and is currently dating Kelsey Kay Homer.
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Family Background: Johnson's parents, David Johnson and Ray Ann Carpentier, divorced when he was young. His father was a bull rider turned construction worker, while his mother was a ballet dancer.
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College Achievements: During his time at Oklahoma, Johnson was invited to the 2013 Senior Bowl, where he impressed with his footwork, body control, and balance.
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NFL Combine Performance: Before the 2013 NFL Draft, Johnson attended the NFL Combine and performed well in various categories, further enhancing his draft chances.
Career Milestones and Legacy
Lane Johnson's career is filled with milestones and achievements that have cemented his legacy as one of the NFL's top offensive linemen.
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Draft Day: The Philadelphia Eagles selected Johnson with the fourth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, marking a significant moment in his career.
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Career Stats: As of the 2023 season, Johnson has played 143 games for the Eagles, starting every game he has played. His receiving statistics include one reception for five yards.
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Defense Career Stats: Johnson has played 143 games without recording any sacks or interceptions, with four solo tackles and four assists.
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Awards and Recognition: Johnson is a two-time First-team All-Pro (2017 and 2022), a Second-team All-Pro (2021), and a four-time Pro Bowl selection (2017–2019 and 2022).
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Super Bowl Champion: Johnson's most notable achievement is being part of the Eagles' Super Bowl LII championship team.
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Injury History: Despite his impressive career, Johnson has faced several injuries, including a concussion in 2017 and a knee injury in 2020.
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Community Involvement: Johnson supports local charities and participates in youth football camps, reflecting his commitment to giving back to the community.
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Fitness Regimen: Known for his fitness regimen, Johnson has a customized gym at his home where he works out regularly.
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Career Milestones: One significant milestone in Johnson's career is setting an NFL record by not allowing a sack in 26 consecutive games.
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Legacy and Impact: Johnson's legacy extends beyond his on-field performance. He has become an iconic figure in Philadelphia sports culture, known for his toughness, versatility, and dedication to the game.
Lane Johnson: A True NFL Icon
Lane Johnson's journey from Groveton, Texas, to NFL stardom is nothing short of inspiring. His versatility, transitioning from quarterback to tight end, defensive end, and finally offensive tackle, showcases his adaptability and determination. Johnson's impact on the Philadelphia Eagles is undeniable, with key contributions to their Super Bowl LII victory and multiple Pro Bowl selections. Despite facing injuries and personal challenges, he remains a cornerstone of the Eagles' offense. Off the field, Johnson's commitment to fitness, community involvement, and family values further solidify his legacy. With a record of not allowing a sack in 26 consecutive games and a contract extension through 2026, Johnson's future with the Eagles looks bright. His story is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence, making him a true icon in the NFL.
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