Stephen A. Smith Criticized for Remarks on Lane Johnson's Mental Health Retirement

ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith is facing criticism after making remarks that appeared to mock Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson's decision to retire mid-season for mental health reasons. Johnson, a veteran lineman, announced his early departure from what he called his farewell season on Tuesday, citing personal and family priorities and the critical need to focus on his mental well-being.

During Wednesday's "First Take," Smith questioned Johnson's timing, stating, "Four games into the 2026 season, a dude that has been in the league forever sits back and says, ‘I need to focus on my mental health.’" He added, "There’s no way [if] you’re undefeated, you’re winning football games, you’re thriving, everybody’s got Super Bowl in their sights… You walk away because it’s a very, very bad situation."

Smith later clarified his stance, asserting he would not make light of mental health issues. He stated that his criticism was directed at the Eagles' "trashy situation" and the team's chaotic environment, which he suggested could drive a player to such a decision. "I’m saying this is a situation the Eagles can drive you to because the stress ain’t worth it," Smith explained. "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 are married to it for that year then they revisit it in the offseason. To be in Week 4, approaching Week 5 and you choose to walk away? That’s about the Eagles. That’s what I am talking about, not him and his mental health."

Johnson, a 14-year NFL veteran and six-time Pro Bowl selection, had been a cornerstone of the Eagles' offensive line since being drafted in 2013. He had also missed four training camp sessions earlier in the offseason for personal reasons and was inactive for the Eagles' recent loss to the Rams for similar reasons.

Smith's initial comments drew sharp reactions from former NFL players and analysts. Chris Long, a former Eagles defensive end, tweeted, "Google ‘Stephen A. Smith talks about mental health.'" Geoff Schwartz, a former offensive lineman for the Giants, posted, "What a bulls–t take. Clearly has no idea why he retired or any backstory."