Stephen A. Smith apologizes to Lane Johnson over mental health comments
In short
ESPN host Stephen A. Smith has apologized to Philadelphia Eagles tackle Lane Johnson for comments about Johnson's mental health, Reuters reported. On First Take, Smith had questioned the timing of Johnson's retirement four games into the NFL season, which Johnson said was so he could focus on his mental health. Fox News reported that the remarks drew on-air pushback from co-host Kimberley A. Martin and led to a video apology.
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ESPN host Stephen A. Smith has apologized to Philadelphia Eagles tackle Lane Johnson for comments about Johnson's mental health, Reuters reported. Fox News reported that Smith's remarks about Johnson and the Eagles triggered a video apology. [ 4 , 5 ]
Johnson, a 14-year veteran, announced his retirement four games into the NFL season. "Right now, it is critical that I focus on my mental health," he said. According to Fox News, Johnson has previously spoken publicly about his struggles with severe anxiety and depression. [ 4 ]
On Wednesday's edition of ESPN's First Take, Smith questioned the timing of Johnson's decision and suggested that the Eagles' poor season through four weeks had far more to do with it than any personal reasons, Fox News reported. "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?" Fox News said Smith then mocked the timing of the decision, saying: "And this brother said, 'Hey, my life matters. It's time. I'm gonna call it quits. My mental health. My mental.' Lord!" [ 1 , 4 ]
Co-host Kimberley A. Martin responded on air: "I feel like you're making light of the situation." Fox News reported that Smith then tried to pivot on air, claiming he was attacking the organization. Newsweek reported that Smith was facing serious backlash over his "appalling" comment about Johnson. [ 3 , 4 ]
Fox News said losing an All-Pro in October is a blow for Philadelphia, especially after Howie Roseman sent starting lineman Cam Jurgens to Baltimore, and suggested the Eagles may be in position to be early sellers, a point it said Smith's original remarks touched on. Newsweek reported that the Eagles opened the season with two wins before losing consecutive games to the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams. [ 1 , 4 ]
Why it matters
The remarks concerned a player who, according to Fox News, has previously spoken publicly about struggles with severe anxiety and depression, and they drew criticism and an apology from Smith. Fox News also said Johnson's retirement is a blow for the Eagles, especially with starting lineman Cam Jurgens also sent to Baltimore.
Key facts
- Eagles tackle Lane Johnson, a 14-year veteran, announced his retirement four games into the NFL season, saying it was critical that he focus on his mental health. [ 4 ]
- On Wednesday's First Take, Smith questioned the timing of Johnson's decision and suggested the Eagles' poor season had more to do with it than personal reasons, Fox News reported. [ 4 ]
- Co-host Kimberley A. Martin told Smith on air: "I feel like you're making light of the situation." [ 4 ]
- Newsweek reported that Smith was facing serious backlash over his "appalling" comment about Johnson. [ 3 ]
- Smith apologized to Johnson for the mental health comments, Reuters reported; Fox News said the remarks triggered a video apology. [ 4 , 5 ]
- Johnson has previously spoken publicly about his struggles with severe anxiety and depression, according to Fox News. [ 4 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- What Smith said in his apology. The documents report the apology but do not give its wording.
- How Smith explained his remarks on air. Fox News says Smith tried to pivot on air to say he was attacking the organization, but the available article text is cut off at that point.