Football is tough. The sport not only requires extreme skill and physical abilities, but it also demands mental toughness. While many would say getting to the NFL is a dream, for Lane Johnson, sometimes it can be a nightmare.
“It’s like Michael Myers is always [lurking] in the bushes,” Johnson said. “It feels like I got a [expletive] in the bushes with me looking to kill me all the time.”
The Eagles All-Pro right tackle has competed for 10 seasons in the NFL, accomplishing what many only fantasize about. With a Super Bowl ring, an extensive highlight reel and the largest contract ever signed by an offensive lineman in the NFL, Johnson has put together a Hall of Fame career.
Set to return for his 11th season, the NFL vet recently signed a one-year contract extension with the Eagles through 2026, despite having struggled with the mental pressures of football for as long as he can remember.
“I don’t know if trauma is passed down genetically or you’re just predisposed to that, but I remember from an early age — like, before games — I would feel [anxiety]. Not the degree I feel it now, but I remember just being 7, 8, 9, going into a game would feel kind of similar to how it did now, but you don’t really know how to express your feelings that we don’t know how to describe,” Johnson recalled.
Even now, with a hefty resume, Johnson says he still can’t turn off the feelings of anxiety he gets when he plays.
“I think my stuff has always stemmed from pressure put on myself to perform well,” Johnson said. “It’s just like one of the things I tried to turn it off, but I can’t turn it off.”
The feelings get so intense that, in an interview recorded midway through the 2022 season, Johnson said he won’t miss the game whenever he decides to retire.
Despite having defensive lineman rushing him in his head and on the field, Johnson isn’t afraid to back down from the challenges of anxiety and mental pressures, as he knows he’s going to outperform them.
“I know everybody who’s ever played the position has felt it,” Johnson said. “But at the same time, it makes us what makes you good at your job. ... The anxiety is a good thing. It’s going to bring the best version of yourself out. But it’s gonna come at a price.”
Listen to "unCovering the Birds" Episode 2: "F*** this game"
Related
Related
New episodes of "unCovering the Birds" drop every Friday. Listen in the Audacy app or wherever you get your podcasts. "unCovering the Birds" is sponsored by Wawa.