Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson have been through a lot together since the 33-year-old tackle was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013.
On Thursday, the Eagles posted a video of the moment that they let Lane Johnson know that he was nominated by the team for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
The award, which recognizes players for “excellence on and off the field,” takes one nomination from each team. Johnson has been an advocate for mental health and has been open about his own struggles with anxiety and depression. The Eagles lauded Johnson’s “dedication and commitment to mental health advocacy” and also cited his work with the organization Kooth, a free mental health service for young people in Philadelphia.
Unsurprisingly, Johnson’s long-time teammate on the offensive line was involved. Kelce gave an emotional speech about the difficulties Johnson has overcome.
Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images
“This award, a lot of the time, just goes to someone who gives a bunch of [expletive] money to a charity and does a bunch of [expletive] out in the [expletive] open,” Kelce told Johnson. “That ain’t you, and we all know that. But that doesn’t take away what you mean to the guys in this room, this building, these people. That’s why they [expletive] nominated you, because everyone finally [expletive] sees who you are.
“When I think of a man, I think of somebody who weathers the ups and downs in life, how you move forward. You’re doing better than I’ve ever seen, and it’s so [expletive] awesome to see. I know it ain’t all been perfect all the time, but there ain’t a [expletive] in the NFL that represents that better than you. That’s important for you to hear.”
Kelce and Johnson embraced.
“I’m so proud of you, man,” Kelce said. “This is a big deal, Lane.”
Johnson would agree. The 6-foot-6 tackle took two weeks away from football in 2021 to deal with anxiety and depression, and when he announced his return, he addressed the importance of mental health.
“Depression and anxiety are things I’ve dealt with for a long time and have kept hidden from my friends and family,” Johnson tweeted at the time. “If you’re reading this and struggling, please know that you’re not alone.”
When Johnson announced his partnership with Kooth earlier this year, he said he was “thrilled” to work with an organization that provides awareness and support for young people.
“Mental health should never be ignored or stigmatized, and I’m looking forward to helping create positive change among our kids,” Johnson said in a statement at the time.
In a statement to Newsweek on Friday, Kooth’s VP of Clinical Strategy Bob McCullough said there is “no question” Johnson deserves the nomination.
“We’ve seen the impact Lane has on teens and young people firsthand,” McCullough said. “His authenticity, energy and openness are inspirational, offering a roadmap to young people and teens who may be struggling. At a recent event with Kooth, Lane emphasized the importance of challenging everything from self-limiting beliefs to anxiety, and that seeking help is always okay. His partnership is immensely valuable, making teens and young people aware of the services available to them today is the first step in helping them address and overcome their own mental health challenges.
“There is no question that Lane Johnson deserves this nomination. We’re rooting for him—for this incredibly impressive Walter Payton Man of the Year award, and also during Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys.”
The Eagles take on the Cowboys at 8:20 p.m. on Sunday.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.