Lane Johnson opened up about the day he almost quit football while sitting on The Pivot podcast set, revealing a period marked by physical injury and mental struggle. The focus keyword, Lane Johnson career low revelation, captures this deeply personal moment when his future in football was uncertain due to a chronic ankle injury and the psychological toll it imposed.
Despite his reputation as an All-Pro pillar of the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive line, Johnson struggled silently with intense pressure and the demands of perfection. Years of battling these internal conflicts gnawed at him, often in moments that seemed as tense as a playoff game’s final seconds.
Revealing the hidden pain behind the ankle injury
Johnson described a career low point stemming from a left ankle injury first treated in 2020. Talking candidly, he recounted undergoing surgery and the painful recovery process.
Coming back before training camp, man, I was training, but I couldn’t really run. I couldn’t propel off my left foot.
The injury made everyday movements agonizing rather than routine.
Physical pain was compounded by emotional challenges as Johnson reached a breaking point.
I was at a point where I wanted to be done with the game,
he confessed, indicating the injury’s impact extended beyond his body into his mindset.
A “selfish” decision that complicated recovery
One key revelation was Johnson’s admission that he hid the severity of his injury’s effect from his team.
Everything I just described to you I never did tell them,
he said.
I didn’t tell them the impact that it was having on just playing… That was the thing—I was just being selfish, prideful, and it ended up coming back to haunt me for those two weeks.
This decision led to missed playing time in the 2021 season and intensified his mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression linked to his perfectionism.
Support came from Johnson’s long-time psychologist, Dr. Rosen, who played a crucial role in his return to football.
I credit Dr. Rosen for getting me back in the league and getting my mind right,
Johnson shared. Through guidance on coping strategies and adapting learning styles, Johnson improved not only himself but also helped strengthen the entire offensive line’s mental toughness.
Testing resilience during Philadelphia’s 2023 Super Bowl push
Johnson’s grit returned to full view during the Eagles’ Super Bowl run in 2023 despite a severe torn groin injury suffered on Christmas Eve against Dallas. Defying medical advice, which suggested such an injury would sideline a lineman, he chose to play, embodying dedication and sacrifice.
I was talking to my doctor, Dr. (William) Meyers… He said hockey guys can make it through but not a lineman,
Johnson said.
After winning the NFC Championship, he emphasized his determination:
My sense of urgency is high,
reflecting the awareness that athletes get fewer opportunities as their careers advance. Johnson played through numbing injections and pain, demonstrating unwavering commitment to his team heading into the 2024 season.
His toughness continued to be evident despite moments of vulnerability, such as vomiting during a game against the Saints leading to a concussion evaluation and quickly returning after a hard hit from Saquon Barkley in Cincinnati. The broadcast captured the sentiment:
This is one tough son of a gun!
Johnson’s availability strongly correlates with the Eagles’ success; his absence notably decreases the team’s winning chances.
How openness about vulnerability shapes Johnson’s lasting legacy
Lane Johnson’s story has evolved from silence around pain to a candid discussion of mental health and physical sacrifice, reshaping what his legacy means for Philadelphia. It transcends his well-known achievements like Pro Bowls and dominating blocks to highlight the courage required to admit struggles and seek help while continuing to perform at an elite level.
His journey reminds fans and teammates alike of the immense resilience needed beneath the helmet. The ankle injury and his “selfish” choices left lasting impressions but also molded him into a wiser, tougher competitor. Overcoming surgeries, including a significant groin repair after Super Bowl LVII, Johnson continues to personify sacrifice, endurance, and loyalty to the Eagles’ crest.