Stephen A. Smith is walking back his criticism of Philadelphia Eagles star Lane Johnson after publicly questioning the timing of his retirement.
The ESPN personality apologized on Wednesday and again on Thursday’s episode of First Take after backlash for his reaction to the 36-year-old offensive tackle’s unexpected departure from the NFL.
Stephen A. Smith apologizes for Lane Johnson’s retirement comments on mental health. https://t.co/4VCYRVS1sp
— First Take (@FirstTake) October 8, 2026
Smith insisted his remarks were never intended to dismiss Johnson’s mental health concerns and claimed that the viewers “misconstrued me making light of mental health, I would never do that.”
Johnson explained that his decision to walk away after 14 seasons came down to his well-being and home life. In his retirement announcement, the two-time Super Bowl champion acknowledged that leaving football wasn’t part of his original plan. He “deeply wanted to gut it out for one more year; to take the field with my brothers for one last season,” but ultimately reconsidered following a period of “reflection.”
Thank you. https://t.co/up2kH1K40p
— Lane Johnson (@LaneJohnson65) October 6, 2026
Johnson received an outpouring of appreciation from the Eagles organization. General manager Howie Roseman praised the six-time Pro Bowler’s impact on the franchise.
“First-ballot Hall of Famer,” Roseman said, adding that the organization would miss him.