LANE JOHNSON'S RETURN WAS NEVER REALLY IN DOUBT
- Brian Baldinger
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
On January 16, 2013 Chip Kelly left the University of Oregon to become the head football coach of the Philadelphia Eagles.
He quickly put together a very competent staff, highlighted by the hiring of Jeff Stoutland to be his offensive line coach.
Fast forward a little more than three months and with the fourth pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Eagles selected offensive tackle Lane Johnson from the University of Oklahoma.
His resume seemed a little thin. In 2008 he departed Groveton, Texas to play both QB and TE for Kilgore Junior College.
He would earn a scholarship to OU where he would start for two years. His combine results immediately made him an elite prospect running the 40 yard dash time in a blistering 4.72 at 6-foot-6, 305 pounds.
It still stands as the fastest 40 yard dash time for an offensive tackle.
The offensive line quickly took shape that first year in 2013 as Jason Kelce was the second-year center and Jason Peters manned the left tackle spot.
Shady McCoy would win the rushing title averaging over 100 yards per game and the Birds would make the playoffs. The Lane Johnson draft pick was as good as any in 2013 and Jeff Stoutland became highly touted.
The Lane Johnson - Jeff Stoutland association was born. Stoutland University became more than a meme.
He was an outstanding teacher and developer of offensive lineman. Lane idolized his teachings and is highly responsible for helping Lane build a Hall of Fame Resume'.
In my mind it’s a first ballot HOF resume'
I mention the infancy of these two men because they came in together under Chip Kelly's regime and have survived many head coaches over the past 13 seasons. Many, including myself, thought they would one day exit together into retirement.
It almost happened after a disappointing season that saw the Birds bounced from the playoffs at home to the 49ers.
The offensive line did not play well throughout the season after leading the NFL in rushing the year prior while winning their second Super Bowl Title. It didn't help that Lane suffered a grade 2 Lisfranc injury and missed the final seven games.
It seemed after the sudden playoff loss that changes to the offense would be inevitable. One that was often discussed was the possible retirement of Lane after 13 seasons, six pro-bowls, two first team all-pro selections and two Super Bowl Championships.
On the surface, there was little left for Lane to accomplish. He had done it all and could walk away from the game reasonably healthy and only 35 years old.
That's what many surmised. But I have built a pretty good friendship with Lane over the years.
I will be attending his wedding in April to his fiancé, Kelsey. I work out at his "Bro Barn" on a weekly basis and have met many members of his "TEAM" over the years.
The one thing I know is that Lane can play at a level that is as good if not better than any OT in the league today.
I have watched all 168 regular season games he has played and the 15 additional playoff games. He is as good as he has ever been.
Most players after 13 seasons have a declining skill set but not Lane. It’s quite remarkable.
What no one except sees is how he never ever stops training and never stops trying to improve. It’s a year round devotion. He was extremely gifted to begin with and with his work ethic it has allowed him to remain as good as ever.
Eight years ago, Duke Manyweather and himself started OL Masterminds in Frisco, Texas. It was a chance for young players to come together to share ideas and techniques on how to get better at their craft.
It has grown so much that it now has GM'S, Coaches, College, AND high school players that come to learn from the best including many HOF retired players and NFL players from around the league. It was Lane's way of giving back to the sport that has given him so much.
But then in January the Eagles hired a new offensive coordinator, Sean Mannion who wanted to bring in his own offensive line coach.. Chris Kuper, a former NFL offensive lineman.
Jeff Stoutland decided to move on.
Would Lane also decide to move on/ without the coach he came into this business with and who he owed so much gratitude for and had so much team success with.
When I saw Lane at the Super Bowl in San Francisco we had much to catch up on.
How was the foot healing; Stout's departure; new regime coming in?
Could he, or would he be willing to learn a new or different way of doing things in his 14th season? If he retired no one would blame him
After three hours in a relaxed social setting, I knew that Lane would come back.
He wants to finish his career healthy and on top of his game to add to that HOF resume' and should be in tip top shape shortly.
But the most convincing part of our conversation was when Lane said, "I wanna give these new guys a chance. I am open to learning new things and a different way of doing things"
That convinced me that he had already made up his mind to return.
It's possible that the offensive line could return intact next season....only healthier as it has recently been announced that Landon Dickerson will return as well.
If they can stay reasonably healthy they have a chance to be a top-five OL in this league and will be heavy favorites to repeat as division champs lead by the return of a healthy Lane Johnson coming back for year number 14.
Knowing how dedicated he is...and how talented he remains...it won’t surprise me to see Lane play more than one more season.
And with that all Eagle fans can rejoice! *
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