ESPN star Stephen A. Smith's Lane Johnson, Eagles rant triggers immediate video apology

"Right now, it is critical that I focus on my mental health," Johnson, the 14-year veteran, announced.This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners.If you sign up or place a wager, FOX News may be compensated.

This content was created by a team that works independently from the FOX newsroom.EAGLES PART WITH CAM JURGENS ONE DAY AFTER LOSING LANE JOHNSON TO RETIREMENT IN ROSTER SHAKEUPLane Johnson has previously spoken publicly about his ongoing struggles with severe anxiety and depression.Lane Johnson No.65 of the Philadelphia Eagles walks off the field following an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pa., on Sept.

13, 2026.(Michael Owens/Getty Images)ESPN commentator and executive producer Stephen A.

Smith is on set in New Orleans ahead of Super Bowl LIX on Feb.7, 2025, where the Philadelphia Eagles will face the Kansas City Chiefs.

(Aaron M.Sprecher/Getty Images)But on Wednesday’s First Take, Stephen A.

set off the internet after questioning the timing of Johnson’s decision and suggested the Eagles’ poor season, through four weeks, had far more to do with it than any personal reasons.THE CRAIG CARTON SHOW–UNFILTERED, UNAPOLOGETIC AND UNMISSABLE.DOWNLOAD HIS DAILY PODCAST NOW!"Now he calls it quits.

Not before the season.Not in the offseason," Smith said.

" ...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?"Smith doubled down, mocking the timing of Lane's decision: "And this brother said, ‘Hey, my life matters.

It’s time.I’m gonna call it quits.

My mental health.My mental.' Lord!"To be fair, losing an All-Pro anchor in October is a brutal blow for Philly, especially after Howie Roseman shipped starting lineman Cam Jurgens to Baltimore earlier in the day.

Perhaps the Eagles are in position to be early sellers, which Smith's original point touched on.La...