Lane Johnson Eagle’s Man of the Year

Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive tackle, Lane Johnson, has been nominated for the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, according to an announcement by the team on Tuesday. At 33, Johnson, recognized as one of the league’s top offensive tackles, is not only celebrated for his on-field prowess with four Pro Bowl appearances, three-time AP All-Pro, and a Super Bowl championship but also for his off-the-field commitment to mental health advocacy.

In a statement, Johnson expressed gratitude for the unwavering support he has received from the organization and the city throughout his career, especially during challenging times. Having faced anxiety and depression since 2008, Johnson has become an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness and treatment, leveraging his platform in the NFL to share his personal journey.

Reflecting on his experiences, Johnson stated, “Playing this game has always been a passion of mine, but being able to share my mental health journey through the platform football has given me has been a rewarding experience. I’m grateful to have had a strong support system, and my hope is to support others who are suffering in silence by opening doors for them to feel comfortable enough sharing their stories.”

The Eagles highlighted Johnson’s 2022 speaking engagement for the Jewish Federation of Atlantic and Cape May Counties in New Jersey, along with his collaboration with Kooth, a free mental health service for Philadelphia’s youth. Beyond mental health advocacy, Johnson has been involved in various charitable initiatives, including partnering with teammates Jason Kelce and Jordan Mailata to release charity Christmas albums, raising significant funds for Philadelphia charities.

Notably, Johnson has supported The 98 Fund and The Brian Bill Foundation as part of the NFL’s My Cause My Cleats initiative. The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, established in 1970 and renamed after Hall of Famer Walter Payton in 1999, recognizes players who excel both on and off the field, emphasizing community service. Each NFL team nominates one player, and the 2023 winner will be announced during the NFL Honors awards show on February 8, preceding Super Bowl LVIII.