Eagles OT Lane Johnson Partners With Youth Mental Health Service

Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson has announced his partnership with a youth mental health service.

JACOB HARE - JUN 3, 2023 6:25 PM EDT - Sports Illustrated (Eagles Today)

Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson recently announced his new collaboration with Kooth, a free and confidential mental health service for young individuals in Philadelphia.

He discussed his partnership with Kooth during an appearance on Up & Adams.

"Mental health should never be ignored or stigmatized, and I'm looking forward to helping create positive change among our kids," he said.

It's Mental Health Awareness Month and as the first athlete ambassador for Kooth, @LaneJohnson65 emphasizes the importance of having resources for those who seek growth and development.

📺: @FanDuelTV | @heykayadams | @kooth_plc pic.twitter.com/gGNHXsHleO
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) May 24, 2023

Since his revealing interview with Fox Sports in 2021, Johnson has consistently been open about his mental health journey. He fearlessly delved into the intricacies of his battle with depression and anxiety, shedding light on how the societal pressures placed on NFL offensive linemen to be strong and tough further compounded his mental health struggles. By doing so, he brought attention to the stigma surrounding seeking support in such a competitive environment.

"I was ashamed, to be honest," he said. "In this league, the NFL, where it's a gladiator-type sport, it's something that's not often talked about but is often felt throughout the league."

Johnson highlights players' underlying challenges and emphasizes the significance of addressing mental health in a space that typically prioritizes toughness and resilience.

The turning point for Johnson occurred before a game in October 2021. Before the contest, Johnson unexpectedly left the Eagles, confusing many. It was later revealed that he had returned to Oklahoma due to being in an extremely poor mental state. This incident highlighted the severity of his mental health challenges and their impact on his ability to continue playing.

Since seeking support and experiencing improvements in his own mental health, Johnson has been a source of encouragement for his fellow NFL players, urging them to prioritize their mental well-being like he has.