We all know Lane Johnson as the quintessential Eagle: he is tenacious, focused on the team, and among the greatest offensive tackles in history. 2013 saw him selected in the first round of the draft, and his career achievements speak for themselves: He has been selected to the Pro Bowl four times and named an All-Pro player three times. Johnson has been hailed as the best player in the NFL for several seasons, anchoring the right side of the offensive line and winning a Super Bowl.
Johnson’s accomplishments off the field are equally noteworthy as his on-court achievements. He battled an anxiety illness for years before making it public, which helped many people who had previously rejected the necessity for therapy and counseling. It was a bold move, one very much in the spotlight, and only part of the story of Johnson giving back to others in his very meaningful way
I had mentors when I first arrived here as a young player, and they showed me the ropes and how crucial it was to build relationships with the community,” Johnson remarked. “Every day, they exemplified the value of relationships in this society, as well as the positive effects that compassion and community involvement have on both the organization and the community at large.
“As I’ve gotten older, it’s a tremendous honor to reach out and give back and it brings me joy to bring joy to others.”
The Walter Payton Man of the Year Award is the most coveted off-field accolade for players in the league, and each team nominates a player to be considered for it each year. The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide celebrates NFL players who perform on the field and who display a desire to establish a lasting positive effect beyond the game in their communities.
Johnson is now in his eleventh season with the Eagles.
“Excellence is a term thrown around a great deal these days, but for me, it’s all about focusing on one play at a time, executing in the passinge game, executing in the run game, listening to adjustments on the sideline at the bench and doing that each game,” Johnson stated. “That’s what you try to do in the community as well – show excellence and find as many ways as you can to help others.”
