Lane Johnson, the Philadelphia Eagles’ veteran right tackle, is concentrating fully on the 2025 Eagles training camp rather than contemplating his Hall of Fame future. Despite his remarkable career including five All-Pro honors, six Pro Bowl selections, and multiple Super Bowl appearances, Johnson insists his priority remains on dominating the present season on the football field.
Johnson emphasized,
Got a ways to go, man,
and added,
That stuff is post-playing career, so that’s something I’ll think about more when my time is done. I guess when you’re in it, you’re so busy, pre-occupied with attacking each day and each season. You don’t get a whole lot of time to reflect. I’m just going to keep pushing and see where it goes.
His teammate, running back Saquon Barkley, also recognizes Johnson’s excellence. Barkley commented on Johnson’s Hall of Fame prospects, stating,
As he mentioned, he’s still got some more to go,
but affirmed,
that’s Lane Johnson, definitely a Hall of Famer. First ballot. For me, to be able to be on this team, to be able to play with him and see how he prepares every day, I understand why he’s been so successful and continues to play at such a high level.
While the Hall of Fame remains a distant goal, Johnson’s focus on preparation and consistent performance is central to his mindset this season, aiming to continue playing at an elite level for years to come.
Jalyx Hunt Poised for a Breakout Defensive Season
Second-year edge rusher Jalyx Hunt is gearing up to make a significant impact on the Eagles’ defense this season. Offensive tackle Jordan Mailata has praised Hunt’s abilities, seeing him as more than just a promising rookie. Hunt, the third-round pick from Houston Christian, brings speed and agility reminiscent of top defensive players in the league.
Mailata shared his admiration for Hunt, saying,
Awww man, he’s going to be special. He’s going to be special, man,
and further noted,
His burst… he has tendencies like Micah (Parsons, Dallas Cowboys star), just to be able to cut on a dime like that. Man, I’m so proud of that guy, the way he works.
Reflecting on the shift in competition, Mailata added,
I’m going from Josh Sweat (former Eagle now with Arizona) to Jalyx, it’s crazy. I was just like, ‘Howie, give me a break for one year, jeez. Jalyx, he’s gonna be a star, man. And I’m glad now I get to go up against him because I know that if he’s giving me hell, he’s gonna give everyone else hell.
In his rookie season, Hunt recorded 1.5 quarterback sacks, 17 tackles, and nine pressures during the regular season, and continued his strong play into the postseason with 1.5 sacks and additional pressures, showing his potential as a key defensive contributor.
Zack Baun Aims to Build on All-Pro Season Under Fangio’s System
Linebacker Zack Baun played a crucial role in Philadelphia’s top-ranked defense during the 2024 season and is entering Training Camp with the confidence of further progress. With Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio’s system now well established, Baun sees positive developments in the unit’s identity and cohesion.
Baun reflected on the defense’s status, stating,
I like the way we’re looking. I feel like we’re far ahead of where we were at this time last year,
and added,
It’s looking good. Obviously, some things to improve on and create a new identity as a defense, but I like where we’re at.
Linebacker Room Evolving as Nakobe Dean Recovers from Injury
Linebacker Nakobe Dean begins Training Camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list due to ongoing recovery from knee surgery. In his absence, the Eagles are integrating new talent at the linebacker position, including first-round draft pick Jihaad Campbell, who is actively participating in practice.
Head Coach Nick Sirianni expressed enthusiasm about the linebacking unit’s potential this season, saying,
I’m excited about that entire room,
and further explained,
It will be fun to get out there and compete. That’s what Training Camp is, it’s competition, competing every day. That’s what the season is. This is great preparation for the season, to get ready to play each game.
Sirianni highlighted the blend of experienced players and rookies, adding,
Really excited about that room. We’ve got some guys back for their second and third year and we also have some young guys that we’re excited to see. I know Bobby King (linebackers coach) and Ronnell (Willians, assistant linebackers coach) will do a great job. Obviously, the linebacker position is big on special teams as well and we’ll see that and see how these guys develop. That’s our job. Howie (Roseman, Executive Vice President/General Manager) gets us great players. You can’t be great without great players, that’s for sure. Our (coaches) job is to develop them to become even better players through their fundamentals, through their awareness, whether it’s offense or defense, their situational awareness. So, that’s what this time is for.
Campbell, the 31st overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, has impressed with his summer performance and was part of the initial training camp practice. As for Dean, who suffered a torn patellar tendon late last season, the team reports excellent progress in his rehab.
Howie Roseman affirmed Dean’s recovery status, stating,
He’s doing a great job with his rehab,
and added,
We can’t wait to get him back.
2025 Training Camp Kicks Off with High Energy and Focused Preparation
The Philadelphia Eagles officially opened their 2025 Training Camp as players gathered at the NovaCare Complex to complete conditioning tests, physicals, and necessary paperwork before practice began. This marked the start of a fast-paced offseason aiming to bring the team into full form for the upcoming campaign.
Head Coach Nick Sirianni and Executive Vice President/General Manager Howie Roseman held their first press conference of the camp, outlining expectations and the team’s readiness. The first practice was scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., followed by media sessions with key players including Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, Lane Johnson, and others.
The Eagles’ first preseason game is set for August 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals, placing the regular season within striking distance as the players and staff prepare intensely for the months ahead.
Key Players Poised to Make an Impact This Season
The 2025 Eagles roster includes a strong mix of veterans and emerging talent. Quarterback Jalen Hurts leads the offense, supported by star wide receivers like A.J. Brown and key contributors such as DeVonta Smith. On defense, edge rusher Jalyx Hunt and linebacker Zack Baun are expected to continue their upward trajectories.
Newcomers and depth players like Jihaad Campbell on defense and Grant Calcaterra on offense add promising dimensions to the squad. Veteran specialists including punter Charley Hughlett and kicker Jake Elliott provide stability in crucial roles. The team also benefits from players like Reed Blankenship, who brings a focus on mental excellence reading “Inner Excellence,” highlighting the Eagles’ holistic approach to performance.
Setting the Pace for a Strong Philadelphia Eagles Season
With veterans like Lane Johnson demonstrating leadership and emerging players stepping into greater roles, the Philadelphia Eagles are gearing up for a competitive 2025 season. The focus on detailed preparation, coaching continuity under Nick Sirianni and Vic Fangio, and steady development of young talent suggest the team is building a solid foundation for sustained success.
Johnson’s insistence on concentrating solely on his daily performance aligns with the team’s overall mentality: a relentless pursuit of excellence without distraction. This dedicated attitude places the Eagles in a strong position to compete at a championship level as the season unfolds at the NovaCare Complex and beyond.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Lane Johnson ever caught a pass?
A. On December 26th, during the division game against the New York Giants, Johnson was allowed to catch a pass. Jalen Hurts threw him a five-yard pass, and he scored his first touchdown with it.
Q. What did Lane Johnson test positive for?
A. On June 30, 2014, news came out that Johnson failed a drug test for performance-enhancing substances. He faced a suspension for the initial four games of the 2014 season.