What We Know About Stephen A. Smith's Lane Johnson Retirement Rant

Lane Johnson retired from the Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday, citing mental health, and ESPN's Stephen A. Smith questioned the timing of that decision the next morning on "First Take," according to the New York Post.

What did Lane Johnson announce, and when?

Johnson, an offensive tackle who had been with the Eagles since the team drafted him fourth overall out of Oklahoma in 2013, retired Tuesday in what he had called his farewell season, the Post reported. In his own statement, Johnson said his "personal and family priorities in my life" had changed. He framed the move around mental health after 14 NFL seasons.

What did Stephen A. Smith say about the retirement?

Smith addressed the move on "First Take" Wednesday, mocking Johnson's explanation in real time. "Now the brother sat up there — one of the all-time greats as an offensive lineman — and what did he do? … 'Ya know what, I am going to call it quits.' Now, he calls it quits," Smith said, according to the Post. "Not before the season. Not in the offseason — oh no, no, no. After being subjected to this, he said, 'Life is a little bit too short. I need to focus on' — what did he say — his mental health. Am I making it up?"

Why does Smith think the timing matters?

Smith tied the retirement to the Eagles' 2-2 start, arguing the record — not mental health — drove the decision. "There's no way [if] you're undefeated, you're winning football games, you're thriving, everybody's got Super Bowl in their sights," Smith said, per the Post. He went on: "You walk away because it's a very, very bad situation and it doesn't look to be getting any better and this brother said, 'Hey, my life matters. It's time. I am going to call it quits. My mental health. My mental.' That's trouble for the Philadelphia Eagles and everybody in the City of Brotherly Love knows it."

What is Johnson's record with the Eagles?

Johnson joined the Eagles' offensive line in 2013 and is considered a future Hall of Fame candidate, the Post noted.

What happens next for the Eagles?

The Post's coverage notes the Eagles have already made a related roster move, reporting separately that the team traded a Pro Bowler following Johnson's retirement. No further statement from Johnson or the Eagles organization beyond the retirement announcement is included in available reporting.

Glossary

• First Take: ESPN's daily sports-debate program co-hosted by Stephen A. Smith.
• Offensive tackle: A lineman position responsible for protecting the quarterback's blind side and edge of the offensive line.
• Mental health leave/retirement: A player's stated decision to step away from competition citing psychological well-being rather than injury or performance.

This article is based on reporting from the New York Post. No additional on-record comment from Johnson, the Eagles or ESPN beyond what is cited above was available at publication.