Eagles' Jalen Hurts Opens Up About Lane Johnson Retiring From NFL

Philadelphia Eagles legend Lane Johnson announced his retirement from the NFL this week. 

It's a major loss for the Eagles, as Johnson's presence was huge for the team since he was drafted with the No. 4 pick in 2013. Including the playoffs, they boasted a .659 winning percentage when he played, compared to .375 when he did not.

Eagles QB Jalen Hurts opened up about Johnson's stunning retirement. Here is what he had to say: 

"As a person, I wish to see him smiling again. I wish to see him happy and at peace. That's what I sincerely wish for him. As a player...really hard to focus on considering the urgency I have to win."

The Eagles were 122-63-1 when Johnson started, compared to 18-30 when he was not in the lineup.

Johnson put together a Hall of Fame-worthy career with the Eagles. He was named to the Pro Bowl six times and received first-team All-Pro honors twice while helping the Birds to a pair of Super Bowl championships, the only two in franchise history.

The Eagles have lost two games in a row after starting the season 2-0.  Hurts and Co. beat the Washington Commanders in Week 1 and the Tennessee Titans in Week 2. Philadelphia then lost to the Chicago Bears in Week 3 and the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4.   

The Eagles' offense was awful against the Rams. They had only 172 total yards and went 0/12 on third down. 

Hurts finished the Eagles-Rams game 12-of-27 through the air for just 93 passing yards. He had two touchdown passes but was sacked four times and completed only two passes after halftime.

Even with those difficulties, the Eagles were still in position to go up three scores midway through the fourth quarter. A Hurts attempt for Darius Cooper on fourth-and-goal from the 2-yard line fell incomplete, however, and the Rams proceeded to drive 98 yards for a touchdown as they mounted a comeback.

"I'm not going to make excuses. I'm not going to make promises. I'm just going to double down on the work and lead the best way I can and continue to have the confidence that I have in this group to forge and figure it out," Hurts said after the game. 

That's now two weeks in a row that Hurts and the Eagles' offense have looked awful. Entering this season, there was concern that Hurts would struggle in a new offense. Through four games, Hurts has 713 passing yards, seven passing touchdowns and three interceptions. He's completing only 59.6% of his passes. 

The Eagles are 59-27 in the regular season with Hurts under center. They have been to two Super Bowls and won it all against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX.

Even though the Eagles signed Hurts to a five-year, $255 million extension in April 2023, there is little guaranteed money left on Hurts' deal after the 2026 season.

Hurts finished the 2025 season with 3,224 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns, 421 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. He completed 64.8% of his passes.

The 28-year-old Hurts entered this season with 17,891 passing yards, 110 passing touchdowns, 3,554 rushing yards and 63 rushing touchdowns in his career. He's made the Pro Bowl three times and won Super Bowl LIX MVP against the Chiefs.

Philadelphia faces the 3-1 Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5. If the Eagles lose again and Hurts struggles again, the negative noise in Philly will get louder and louder. 

Andy Dalton is not better than Hurts, so the Eagles will not bench Hurts. However, this could be Hurts' final season in Philadelphia if he continues to play below average.