Lane Johnson and Jason Kelce shared eleven seasons playing together for the Philadelphia Eagles, forming a connection that goes beyond the football field. As Johnson enters his twelfth <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL season, he recently opened up about the close relationship he and Kelce developed during their time as teammates, highlighting the deep bond they share.
In a conversation with Ryan Clark on The Pivot podcast, Clark praised Kelce as one of the greatest centers in NFL history and a likely future Hall of Famer. Johnson responded by describing Kelce’s intensity for the game and the unique friendship they had off the field, comparing him to a brother he never had.
“It was fun being around somebody that was so intense and just puts so much into the game,” Johnson said on Saturday. “Because there’s not many guys that lay it on the line. There’s some guys that are ultra serious about it, that’s how he was. But, then the man, I mean a lot of our times in the meeting room, and we were sitting there bulls**tting, laughing.
“So when it was time to take it very serious, we did, we took it the utmost seriousness and then when it’s time to relax and have a good time and joke around we did. So you know, I never had a brother growing up so he was you know, he was a long-lost brother of mine and I got to see the evolution of him.”
Johnson emphasized that while they maintained a serious, focused approach during games and meetings, they also allowed themselves moments of humor and camaraderie. This balance contributed to the strength of their partnership on and off the field. Both players were crucial members of the Eagles’ 2018 Super Bowl championship team.
Jason Kelce’s Perspective on His NFL Achievements and Legacy
Jason Kelce spent thirteen NFL seasons exclusively with the Philadelphia Eagles, earning widespread recognition as one of the most accomplished centers in the league’s history. Despite his accolades, Kelce shared his thoughts on the Exciting Mics podcast, hosted by Eagles players Cooper DeJean and Reed Blankenship, expressing doubts about his chances of entering the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
“And I think it’s weird because I don’t even think I’m the best player that I’ve played with in the NFL,” Kelce said on Thursday.
Kelce elaborated that while he was a strong and capable center, he viewed himself as a player whose skills fit specific team schemes rather than a universally dominant figure across all teams.
“I think I was very good at center, but I was a scheme-specific guy,” Kelce said. “And when I think of Hall of Famer players, I think of people that, this is a guy that was so good that no matter what team, who he played with, wherever he was at, he was going to be one of the best players of all time. And I just don’t think that was the case for me.”
Drafted in the sixth round in 2011, Kelce became a seven-time Pro Bowler and earned first-team All-Pro honors six times during his career, underlining his status as a key figure for the Eagles.
The Significance of Their Connection and Future Implications
The bond shared between Lane Johnson and Jason Kelce illustrates the critical role strong personal relationships play within championship-winning teams. Their ability to combine focus and levity helped foster a team environment where players could perform at their highest level.
As Johnson continues his NFL journey into his twelfth season, the close relationship with Kelce stands as a testament to the deep friendships that can develop through shared challenges and successes. Meanwhile, Kelce’s humble perspective on his career highlights a thoughtful approach to personal achievement and legacy.
Together, their story reflects the importance of teamwork, mutual respect, and brotherhood in professional sports, and their impact on the Philadelphia Eagles organization will be remembered for years to come.