# Stephen A. Smith Apologizes for Lane Johnson Rant

> ESPN's Stephen A. Smith posts video apology after questioning Eagles tackle Lane Johnson's retirement decision.
- Title: Stephen A. Smith Apologizes for Lane Johnson Rant · OutKick
- Summary: ESPN's Stephen A. Smith posts video apology after questioning Eagles tackle Lane Johnson's retirement decision. ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith apologized…
- Keywords: stephen a smith, lane johnson, philadelphia eagles, eagles, nfl, mental health, retirement, news, politics, Stephen, Smith, Apologizes
- Source: OutKick — https://foxnews.com/outkick-sports/espn-star-stephen-a-smith-lane-johnson-eagles-rant-triggers-immediate-video-apology
- Author: Alejandro Avila
- Published: 2026-10-07T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: stephen a smith, lane johnson, philadelphia eagles, eagles, nfl, mental health, retirement, news, politics
## Lane Johnson Announces Retirement
Philadelphia Eagles tackle Lane Johnson retired four games into the 2026 NFL season.

> Right now, it is critical that I focus on my mental health
## Stephen A. Smith Questions Timing
ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith criticized Johnson's retirement timing on First Take.

> Now he calls it quits. Not before the season. Not in the offseason
## Smith Faces Backlash
Co-host Kimberley A. Martin called Smith's comments disrespectful on air.

> I feel like you’re making light of the situation
## Smith Posts Apology Video
Smith posted video apology on X addressing misinterpretation of mental health comments.

> I’m sorry that when I was on television earlier this morning, on First Take … people misconstrued me minimizing mental health
## Eagles Lose Key Players
Philadelphia Eagles lost All-Pro Lane Johnson and starting lineman Cam Jurgens to roster shakeup.
## Key takeaway

ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith apologized for suggesting Philadelphia Eagles' Lane Johnson's mental health decision was a poor timing choice.