Overview
- Lane Johnson abruptly retired early in the season, saying he needed to focus on his mental health and family after missing earlier practices and appearing inactive this year.
- On First Take, Stephen A. Smith questioned Johnson’s timing and suggested the Eagles’ poor start played a role in the decision, prompting on-air pushback from his cohosts.
- The segment went viral on social media, where fans and journalists criticized Smith for appearing to minimize Johnson’s stated mental-health reasons.
- Smith posted a clarification on X saying his comments were misconstrued, described his own grief and therapy experience, and defended that he meant to highlight the Eagles’ chaotic injury situation; many users publicly rejected the apology.
- The Eagles have kept Johnson’s retirement in place and moved to adjust roster and game plans, including giving rookie Markel Bell an immediate role as they prepare for upcoming games.