An explosive report was published Friday morning in the Philadelphia Inquirer by reporter Jeff McLane, giving new details on behind-the-scene issues that have been taking place with the Eagles over the last few seasons.
The article is a must-read for fans. It paints a picture of a dysfunctional and tense work environment at the NovaCare Complex, with Roseman and his relationship with Lurie at the center of the issues.
One incident that stuck out, however, was a set of tense exchanges between Roseman and offensive tackle Lane Johnson.
The first exchange reportedly happened during the 2018 season, when after Johnson struggled against the Tennessee Titans, Roseman said to the offensive linemen that he had “never seen (him) get beat by a rookie before.” Johnson, according to the report, didn’t take the comment well and left the facility.
Things apparently boiled over later in the season during the team’s trip to London to play the Jacksonville Jaguars. Johnson was concerned about playing due to an ankle injury and when Roseman found out, according to the report, he “berated him.”
Here is how the rest of the scene played out, according to McLane:
The tackle finished suiting up and as he walked by Roseman, the GM said, according to sources, “Good, you have your mouthpiece in, now you can’t say anything stupid.” The last comment, which a source close to Roseman said was intended to be playful, set Johnson off. “I can’t play for this [expletive],” he said, according to a source. He took off his equipment and went to the showers and missed pregame warmups.
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Johnson was convinced to play by some of his veteran teammates, according to the report, but left shortly after the game started due to the ankle injury. Roseman reportedly apologized on the team flight and the report states the two have a good relationship.
Neither Roseman or Johnson were quoted in the story.
While there have been plenty of rumors and reports about Roseman’s relationship with staff members and players before, this latest article is certainly one of the most in-depth looks at some of the issues that take place inside of the NovaCare Complex.
Considering many fans were already calling for Roseman to be fired following a 4-11-1 season, this latest report will do nothing to help the general manager’s standing in the fanbase.