Eagles All-Pro lineman announces retirement
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PHILADELPHIA -- Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro offensive lineman Lane Johnson has announced his retirement from the NFL after 14 seasons.
"I have given it my all for 14 years," Johnson said Tuesday in a statement, "season after season pushing my body to the max and tirelessly working my craft to not only live up to the legacy of the guys that came before me, but to set a new standard of success for the best franchise in all of sports."
Johnson had been a late scratch for last week's game against the Los Angeles Rams for personal reasons. He said Tuesday despite wanting to finish the season, his "personal and family priorities in my life have changed."
Johnson missed time in training camp for personal reasons before saying that this season would probably be his last.
"Lane Johnson is an all-time Eagle and one of the best players ever to play his position in NFL history," Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie said in a statement. "Lane was a major contributor to our team success for 14 seasons, helping to bring two Super Bowl championships and many other memorable moments to the organization and the city of Philadelphia."
The 36-year-old Johnson was a first-round pick in 2013 and was a first-team All-Pro in 2017 and 2022. He earned second-team honors in 2021, 2023 and 2024. Johnson has been a pillar at right tackle.
Johnson took a leave of absence during the 2021 season as he battled anxiety and depression and has since shared his story at mental health clinics in the area.
Johnson, a six-time Pro Bowl selection, said earlier this year his potential retirement came into focus last season after conversations with his family and an injury-filled season. He missed Philadelphia's final seven regular-season games and the wild-card playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Union challenging suspensions
WASHINGTON -- The NFL Referees Association on Tuesday said it will challenge the severity of the suspensions of two officials for unprofessional conduct, which the officials union maintains went beyond appropriate punishment.
The league on Monday suspended line judge Jeff Seeman for two games for swearing at Arizona's Trey McBride and referee Adrian Hill for one game for yelling and gesturing at Minnesota's Eric Wilson.
"NFL officials have a responsibility to conduct themselves professionally on the field, and the actions in these incidents fell short of that standard," Referees Association executive director Scott Green said in a statement.
Seeman was caught on camera cursing at McBride during the Cardinals' loss at the New York Giants. Hill yelled at Eric Wilson and pointed for him to get away after the Vikings linebacker tried to help him to his feet after a collision knocked him over.
Almost back
FRISCO, Texas -- Dallas Cowboys left guard Tyler Smith has a chance to return after missing the minimum of four games while on injured reserve with a left thumb injury.
Smith and the Cowboys are trying to decide whether he plays against Tampa Bay on Thursday without a full practice. Smith sustained ligament damage in the thumb during training camp and waited three weeks, hoping he could play through it.
When it was decided that Smith couldn't, the decision for surgery came just before the start of the season. The three-time Pro Bowler was listed as limited in the first two practices of the week.
Not so bad after all
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Patrick Surtain II and Pat Bryant's injuries are less serious than first feared when the players each sprained an ankle during Denver's 24-14 loss at San Francisco, a person with knowledge of the medical results told The Associated Press.
Either or both could end up on short-term injured reserve, but the Broncos haven't made any moves yet with the players who got hurt last weekend.
The Broncos are currently preparing for a trip to Los Angeles to play the Chargers (0-4) on Sunday.