No one earned this nomination more than Lane Johnson, as Jason Kelce stated. The Eagles tackle discusses his feelings about receiving a nomination.
The emotional scenario that occurred in the offensive line room on October 11 when Lane Johnson learned he was the Eagles’ nomination for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is undoubtedly well-known to you by now.
An affective Jason Kelce broke down in tears as he told Johnson why he deserved the recognition so much.
Kelce was able to discuss this week why it matters so much to watch Johnson receive his just desserts.
Lane, according to Kelce, has long been an underappreciated player in the league. He may not have the most outgoing or boisterous personality, but the things he has overcome and persevered through have likely benefited many more people than people realize.
“I’m just talking from personal experience, folks that have approached me. I’ve told you to make sure Lane knows how much I value his candor and openness. I believe that many people in this city and throughout the nation clearly understand how much he means to them. Undoubtedly,
Johnson took a three-game leave of absence during the 2021 season to address his mental health concerns after attempting to stop using antidepressants caused excruciating withdrawal symptoms. Johnson was in a nasty mood as he drove home to Oklahoma.
However, Johnson didn’t stop there when he talked about his struggles with mental health when he got back to Philadelphia a few weeks later. Since then, Johnson has shared his experience in public at clinics and schools in the hopes that it would inspire someone else.
Johnson never intended to become an advocate for public mental health, but he didn’t back down when the chance arose.
Following its public release, Johnson stated last week, “I just felt like instead of shying away from it, could help a lot of people who are in similar situations or headspace.” “At first, I was a little reluctant, but because it was public, I felt that we should address it and use it to help people instead of just avoiding it.”
The 33-year-old Johnson has truly appreciated all of the input from other NFL players. Johnson revealed that despite the fact that these problems are widespread across all societal strata, he had previously felt embarrassed to be dealing with them when he first came forth with his experience. It has taken a lot of work to eliminate Johnson and his former Eagles teammate Brandon Brooks.
Even when Kelce was nominated for the Eagles Man of the Year a few years ago, he claimed he was contacted by common people at the beach and in bars who expressed their gratitude for Johnson’s trip.
According to Kelce, “He’s not the only Philadelphia Eagle who has been forthright and honest about it.” But I believe he handled it correctly. He has been straightforward and truthful about it, and I believe that many people have greatly benefited from that.
Besides his advocacy for mental health, Johnson has given recognition to Gold Star families and Silver Star honorees. He was a member of the Eagles trio that supported the Eagles Autism Foundation by releasing Christmas CDs in consecutive years.
