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Stephen A. Smith apologizes after facing backlash over comments he made about Philadelphia Eagles star Lane Johnson’s decision to retire and prioritize his mental health.
Smith addressed the controversy after his remarks on ESPN’s First Take sparked criticism from viewers and sports fans. The longtime sports commentator said his comments were misunderstood and insisted that he was not trying to minimize mental health struggles.
The controversy began after Johnson announced his retirement from the NFL on Oct. 6. The 36-year-old offensive tackle said he had reached a point where his personal and family priorities had changed.
Johnson also said he needed to focus on his mental health. He had previously been open about his struggles with anxiety and depression.
Stephen A. Smith faces backlash
On First Take, Smith questioned why Johnson chose to retire four games into the 2026 NFL season.
The commentator focused on the timing of the decision and the Philadelphia Eagles’ struggles. However, his remarks about Johnson’s mental health quickly drew criticism.
Many viewers felt Smith appeared to dismiss the seriousness of Johnson’s decision. The reaction grew because Johnson has publicly discussed his mental health challenges in the past.
Johnson missed time during the 2021 season while dealing with anxiety, depression and issues related to stopping medication. He has also spoken about the pressure that comes with playing professional football.
As a result, Smith’s comments quickly became a larger conversation about athletes and mental health.
Smith explains his comments
Smith later addressed the backlash on his own show.
He said he was sorry that viewers believed he was minimizing mental health. He also pointed to his own experience after his mother died in 2017.
Smith explained that he struggled deeply during that period and eventually sought therapy. He credited therapy and his daughters with helping him through that difficult time.
He also clarified that his criticism was aimed at the Eagles and the chaos surrounding the team. According to Smith, he was not attempting to mock Johnson for stepping away from football.
Still, Smith acknowledged Johnson’s accomplishments and praised him as a future Hall of Famer.
Lane Johnson puts mental health first
Johnson announced his retirement after 14 seasons with the Eagles.
The veteran offensive tackle had hoped to play one final season. However, he said reflection changed his priorities and led him to make the difficult decision to walk away.
Johnson spent his entire NFL career with Philadelphia after the Eagles selected him fourth overall in the 2013 NFL Draft. He became one of the most respected right tackles in the league.
His career included two Super Bowl championships, six Pro Bowl selections and two first-team All-Pro honors. The Eagles also recognized his work away from football, including his advocacy and community involvement.
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie praised Johnson following the announcement. He called the veteran one of the best players to ever play his position and highlighted his impact on the organization.
The conversation goes beyond football
The controversy has also renewed conversations about mental health in professional sports.
Athletes often face pressure to keep performing even when they are struggling emotionally. Johnson’s decision shows that stepping away can also be a way to protect personal well-being.
For Smith, the backlash became an opportunity to explain his position. However, his comments also highlighted how quickly conversations about mental health can become complicated when they involve public figures and live sports commentary.
Ultimately, Johnson made his decision based on what he felt was best for himself and his family.
And while Smith may have intended to criticize the Eagles, his comments showed why conversations about mental health require care, especially when an athlete has openly discussed those struggles.
Source: PEOPLE, Philadelphia Eagles, Reuters
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