Key Takeaways

• Johnson retired in the middle of his 14th season with the Eagles, publicly stating that personal and family priorities have changed and that now is the time to say goodbye to football.
• He played in the opening three games of the 2026 season but did not participate in the October 4 game versus the Los Angeles Rams due to personal reasons, signaling a gradual retreat before the formal announcement.
• The veteran cited mental health as the critical factor in his decision, emphasizing the need to have his head and heart fully engaged for both teammates and the organization.
• Johnson has publicly discussed past struggles with depression and anxiety, including a 2021 leave of absence during which he described feeling profoundly miserable and out of sync with himself.
• He highlighted the stigma around mental health in the NFL, noting the difficulty of discussing these issues with people who do not understand, and acknowledged the importance of prioritizing time with his family.
• In his message, he thanked Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie and the franchise, expressed gratitude toward coaches and teammates, and affirmed that Philadelphia will always be home while he continues focusing on his well-being.