Logo

Eagles Star Is Planning to Retire After the Season Following Years of Serious Injuries

Posted February 27, 2026

One of the most respected veterans in the Philadelphia Eagles locker room may be approaching the final chapter of his remarkable NFL career.

Team sources indicate that longtime right tackle Lane Johnson has privately acknowledged that the 2026 season could be his last, as years of physical punishment and a recent serious foot injury continue to impact his long-term health.
Article image

Johnson, 35, has been the foundation of Philadelphia’s offensive line since being selected fourth overall in the 2013 NFL Draft. Over 13 seasons, he has evolved into the franchise’s longest-tenured active player and a pillar of the Eagles’ identity.

A multiple-time All-Pro and Super Bowl champion, Johnson has been widely regarded as one of the premier right tackles of his generation. His blend of athleticism, technique, and leadership helped anchor one of the NFL’s most dominant offensive fronts.

But the physical toll has accumulated.

In 2025, Johnson missed the final eight regular-season games and the playoffs due to a serious Lisfranc foot injury — a lower-body setback that required extensive rehabilitation and raised concerns about long-term mobility. The injury followed years of battling ankle, knee, and lower-body issues common to trench players who absorb contact on every snap.

Medical experts have reportedly warned that continued stress on the foot could lead to chronic pain and mobility complications later in life. For a player whose position demands leverage, balance, and explosion off the edge, the risk is significant.

Despite announcing in February that he intends to return for the 2026 season, those close to the situation say Johnson is viewing the year through a different lens — one centered on health, family, and legacy.

Inside the locker room, teammates describe him as the emotional backbone of the offensive line. His leadership during Philadelphia’s championship run and his mentorship of younger linemen have made him more than just a starter — he is a cultural cornerstone.

Johnson addressed the speculation with an emotional reflection:

“MY BODY HAS BEEN THROUGH MORE BATTLES THAN MOST PEOPLE WILL EVER SEE, AND I’VE GIVEN EVERYTHING I HAVE TO THIS GAME AND TO THIS CITY. IF THIS IS THE END, I WALK AWAY WITH NO REGRETS. PHILADELPHIA MADE ME WHO I AM, AND WEARING THAT EAGLES JERSEY HAS BEEN THE GREATEST HONOR OF MY LIFE.”

For Eagles fans, the possibility of life without No. 65 protecting the edge is difficult to imagine. He represents toughness, loyalty, and resilience — qualities that define Philadelphia football.

If this truly is his final run, Johnson won’t simply be finishing a season. He will be closing one of the most decorated and respected careers in franchise history — on his terms, with his legacy firmly secured.

 
 

Breaking News: Tensions Escalate in the Middle East as U.S. Military Continues Operations Against Iran
Washington D.C. – March 13, 2026 – As tensions in the Middle East intensify, President Donald Trump has continued to emphasize the overwhelming success of the U.S. military's operations in Iran, despite the Iranian regime showing no signs of surrender. "Our military is unsurpassed," Trump declared, highlighting the unprecedented capabilities of U.S. forces. "We are doing what had to be done over the past 47 years," he added, referring to the long-standing conflict. The president’s rhetoric further escalated as he called Iran "a nation of terror and hate," underscoring the high stakes of the ongoing war. The conflict, which has already resulted in significant casualties, has disrupted global markets, with rising oil prices serving as one of the most visible consequences. As of yesterday, oil prices surged to $100 a barrel, driving up gas prices for American consumers. Despite these economic concerns, Trump has downplayed the impact, stating, "The United States is the largest producer in the world. So when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money." The situation took a tragic turn as four U.S. service members were killed in a refueling aircraft crash in western Iraq. The incident, which took place on March 12, is under investigation, with the Pentagon confirming that the crash was not due to hostile or friendly fire. This marks the fourth publicly acknowledged crash in the ongoing conflict, following last week’s friendly fire incident in Kuwait, which downed three fighter jets. Meanwhile, the conflict continues to escalate across the region. Iran's relentless missile attacks have targeted critical infrastructure in multiple countries, including Saudi Arabia, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In Dubai, thick black smoke was seen billowing from skyscrapers as Iranian missiles were intercepted by air defenses. In northern Israel, a missile strike caused extensive damage, while Iranian forces persist in targeting oil and energy facilities. According to the New York Times, at least 16 oil tankers and other commercial vessels have been attacked in the Persian Gulf since the war's onset. Israel's military has retaliated with airstrikes, claiming to have hit over 200 targets in western and central Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the ongoing attacks as creating "optimal conditions for the fall of the Iranian government." He added that the regime would likely be overthrown from within. In response to the growing instability, President Trump issued a new warning to Iran's leaders, posting on social media, "Watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today." He also expressed his satisfaction with the military progress, declaring that the U.S. and its allies were successfully "taking out the Iranian regime." However, this rosy assessment contrasts sharply with the ongoing realities of the war on the ground. Military experts and analysts have reported that the U.S. and Israel significantly underestimated Iran's ability to retaliate, especially its capacity to close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane through which 20% of the world’s oil flows. Despite initial setbacks, Iran has continued to demonstrate resilience, using a mix of drones, missiles, and mining tactics to disrupt global trade. The geopolitical ramifications are already being felt, with the rising oil prices exacerbating the global economic situation. The U.S. military is preparing to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, but experts warn of the challenges this poses. "Escorting tankers through the Strait is a difficult and dangerous exercise," said one military expert. "It would expose U.S. naval ships to potential attacks from Iran's drones and speedboats." As President Trump continues to push forward with military action, there is growing concern about the long-term implications for both the U.S. and the global economy. Critics argue that while the military’s actions have inflicted significant damage on Iran’s infrastructure, the war is far from over, and a diplomatic solution may be the only path forward. In the coming weeks, the focus will likely shift towards negotiations, as both the U.S. and Iran will need to find a way to address the broader issues at play. These include Iran’s nuclear program, the closing of critical shipping lanes, and the economic toll the war has taken on both sides. As the conflict progresses, many are questioning whether the costs of war will ultimately outweigh the potential gains, and whether the U.S. will be able to secure its objectives in the region without further escalating the crisis. The outcome of this war remains uncertain, and it will require careful diplomacy and strategy in the weeks and months ahead.