ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith Faces Backlash Over Lane Johnson Retirement Comments

Clear Facts

• Philadelphia Eagles tackle Lane Johnson retired four games into the 2026 NFL season citing mental health concerns.
• ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith questioned the timing of Johnson’s announcement on First Take.
• Smith later posted a video apology on X after co-host Kimberley A. Martin challenged his remarks during the broadcast.

Stephen A. Smith drew immediate criticism after questioning why Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson chose to retire four games into the season rather than earlier in the offseason. Johnson, a 14-year veteran, announced his retirement citing his ongoing battle with anxiety and depression.

The timing raised eyebrows in Philadelphia after the team had already lost starting center Cam Jurgens to Baltimore earlier that day.

“Now he calls it quits. Not before the season. Not in the offseason,” Smith said on First Take. “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.’ Am I making it up?”

“And this brother said, ‘Hey, my life matters. It’s time. I’m gonna call it quits. My mental health. My mental.’ Lord!”

Co-host Kimberley A. Martin pushed back on the comments during the live broadcast.

“I feel like you’re making light of the situation.”

Smith quickly tried to clarify his position, insisting he was criticizing the Eagles’ organization rather than minimizing Johnson’s mental health struggles.

“I would never make light of mental health issues. I’m making light of the Philadelphia Eagles’ trashy situation right now.”

Later that afternoon, Smith posted an apology video on X addressing the backlash.

“I’m sorry that when I was on television earlier this morning, on First Take … people misconstrued me minimizing mental health.”

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