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Stephen A. Smith loves playing the Teflon Don of sports media; that is, until he faces some actual criticism. ESPN's heavyweight had to answer for his own words after aiming for Lane Johnson’s sudden retirement. The Philadelphia Eagles tackle made a surprising decision by announcing his retirement four games into the NFL season.
"Right now, it is critical that I focus on my mental health," Johnson, the 14-year veteran, announced.
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EAGLES PART WITH CAM JURGENS ONE DAY AFTER LOSING LANE JOHNSON TO RETIREMENT IN ROSTER SHAKEUP
Lane 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.
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"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.
Lane Johnson No. 65 of the Philadelphia Eagles lines up before a play during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill., on Sept. 28, 2026. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Those comments didn't land too hot. Co-host Kimberley A. Martin stepped in live on air to call him out: "I feel like you’re making light of the situation."
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Feeling the room shift, Smith immediately tried pivoting on air to claim he was attacking the organization rather than the player: "I would never make light of mental health issues. I’m making light of the Philadelphia Eagles’ trashy situation right now," he said.
Smith followed up and posted an apology video on X later that afternoon addressing the backlash.
"I’m sorry that when I was on television earlier this morning, on First Take … people misconstrued me minimizing mental health," he said.
Stephen A. claims he's immune to the noise, yet he folded the instant the heat turned up. If a single afternoon on X sends him running for cover, his presidential dreams are DOA.
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Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela
Alejandro Avila is a longtime writer at OutKick, living in Southern California.
