The versatile athlete who transitioned from quarterback to NFL offensive tackle
In short: Before becoming a cornerstone of the Philadelphia Eagles' offensive line, Lane Johnson was a quarterback. A sudden injury crisis at the University of Oklahoma forced a radical positional shift that transformed a versatile college player into a multi-time All-Pro and two-time Super Bowl champion.
Lane Johnson's professional trajectory was defined by unexpected versatility. During his tenure with the Oklahoma Sooners from 2009 to 2012, he served as a practice squad quarterback before transitioning to tight end in 2010. It was not until the spring of 2011 that he moved to defensive end. However, a roster shortage caused by injuries to two starting linemen prompted offensive line coach Bruce Kittle to ask Johnson to try out as a backup lineman. Kittle was so impressed by Johnson's footwork and pass-blocking abilities that he immediately moved him to offensive tackle, where he would secure his future in the NFL.
Johnson entered the league as the fourth overall pick in the 2013 NFL draft, selected by the Philadelphia Eagles. His career has been marked by both elite performance and significant hurdles. He has been a six-time Pro Bowl selection and a two-time first-team All-Pro. Despite facing suspensions for performance-enhancing drugs in 2014 and 2016, he maintained high-level play, including a record-setting streak of 26 consecutive games without allowing a sack, which he achieved by December 11, 2022.
Beyond his on-field achievements, Johnson has been a significant figure in the Eagles' recent success, appearing in three Super Bowls and winning two (LII and LIX). His financial impact is equally notable; in 2019, he signed a $72 million extension that made him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL. He has also demonstrated a commitment to his roots, donating $500,000 to Kilgore College in 2019 to fund 'The Lane' Athletic Performance Center, which opened in March 2021.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Lane Johnson
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