Stephen A. Smith questioned Lane Johnson’s decision to step away from the Philadelphia Eagles and retire on First Take. Later, however, he clarified his criticism targeted the franchise, not Johnson’s mental health.
What We Know: Johnson is stepping away from the Eagles four games into the 2026 season. Notably, he cited his mental health as part of the reason. Johnson missed time at the start of training camp and said his mother had been dealing with some health issues when he returned to the team. Wednesday, Smith initially attempted to tie the decision to Philadelphia’s struggles, but mocked Johnson’s use of mental health as part of his reasoning why he was retiring. However, colleague Kimberly Martin raised concerns that Smith was making light of the situation prompting Smith to backtrack and clarify his comments minutes later.
What They Said: (All quotes via First Take):
Stephen A. Smith on Lane Johnson referencing mental health as part of the reason why he’s stepping away from the Philadelphia Eagles: “Nine starters you finish the game without. Now the brother sat up there, one of the all-time greats on the offensive line. And what did he do? You know what? I’m gonna call the quits. Now he calls it quits. Not fourth season, not off season. Oh no! After being subjected to this, he said life is a little bit too short. I need to focus. What did he say? His mental health. Am I making it up?”
Stephen A. Smith believes if the Philadelphia Eagles were winning, Lane Johnson wouldn’t be stepping away for mental health reasons: “Four games in to the 2026 season, a dude that has been in the league forever sits back and says, “I need to focus on my mental health and as an offensive tackle.” There’s no way [if] you’re undefeated [or] winning football games. Everybody’s got Super Bowl in their sights. You [don’t] walk away. [But] you walk away because it’s a very, very, very bad situation, and it doesn’t look to be getting any better. This brother said, “Hey, my life matters. It’s time. I’m gonna call it quits. My mental health, my mental.” Lord. That’s trouble for the Philadelphia Eagles, and everybody in the city of brotherly love knows it.”
FOLLOWING KIMBERLY MARTIN CHECKING STEPHEN A. SMITH ON HIS COMMENTARY REGARDING MENTAL HEALTH
Stephen A. Smith clarifies he’s not making light of mental health issues in regards to Lane Johnson stepping away from the Philadelphia Eagles: “Let me get a bit serious for a second. Kimberly [Martin] brought up what I brought about making light of the situation. I appreciate the lookout. Thank you very much. Let me be very clear, and specific about what I’m saying. I would never make light of mental health issues. I’m making light of the Philadelphia Eagles trashy situation right now.”
Stephen A. Smith backtracks his comments regarding Lane Johnson referencing mental health for stepping away from the Philadelphia Eagles: “He’s [Lane Johnson] considered one of the elite, one of the top three in the National Football League. Regardless of how many times he’s contemplated retirement, he made a decision to come back this season. Usually, NFL players, when they make a decision to come back, they married to it for that year. Then [in] off season they revisit it, but they married to it that year. To be in week four, approaching week five, and you’re ready to what? If you choose to walk away, that’s about the Eagles. That is what I am talking about, not him and his mental health.”
What Remains Unclear: Still, it remains unclear whether Johnson will respond to Smith’s remarks. It also remains unclear whether an apology will be coming from Smith for his performative style regarding conversation about Johnson’s mental health.
What It Means: Moreover, the moment shows how quickly hot-take commentary can collide with sensitive topics. Still, Smith reframed his remarks around the Eagles’ dysfunction rather than Johnson himself. But you can’t erase live television. As a result, the conversation now shifts toward Philadelphia’s direction as Smith could apologize in the coming days. Moreover, it adds another viral First Take moment for ESPN’s most visible voice.
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