Philadelphia Eagles WATCH: Jason Kelce Tells Lane Johnson He’s Walter Payton MOY Nominee
Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson is the team's 2023 nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, with the winner set to be announced during the NFL Honors show on Thursday, Feb. 8.
While the public just learned of the nominees this week, Johnson was apparently told back in October. Thursday, the Eagles released video of Johnson finding out he was the MOY nominee, first informed by offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland during a position group meeting. Future Hall of Famer Jason Kelce -- who has been Johnson's teammate since he entered the league in 2013 -- then launched into an impassioned speech about Johnson.
Lane Johnson (left) and Jason Kelce (right) are long-time teammates on the Philadelphia Eagles.
USA Today
"They told me about it a couple days ago. And they said 'Hey, do you wanna talk about it or anything?' And I f------ said 'Yeah, I do wanna talk.' This award, a lot of times just goes to somebody who just gives a bunch of f------- money to charity and does a bunch of s--- out in the f------ open, right? That ain't f------- you," Kelce said to Johnson. "And we all know that."
"But that doesn't take away what you mean to the guys in this room ... in this building ... these people. That's why they are f------ nominating you, because everybody finally f------ sees who you are," Kelce continued. "And when I think of a man, I think of somebody who weathers the ups and downs of life ... how you f------- move forward. You're doing better than I've ever seen. And it's so f------ awesome to see. And I know it ain't all been perfect all the time, but like there ain't a m-----f----- in the NFL who represents that better than you. That's important for you to hear."
Since being selected with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, Johnson has emerged as one of the better right tackles that the sport has ever seen. Now 33, Johnson is a two-time All-Pro, who hasn't allowed a sack in pass protection since Week 11 of the 2020 season.
However, it's his work in reducing the stigma around mental health that has earned Johnson this nomination.
"Initially diagnosed with an anxiety disorder in 2008, it wasn't until 2021 that Johnson finally opened up about his mental health after unexpectedly missing three games due to anxiety and depression," the Eagles wrote on their team website.
"He has since used his experience to advocate for mental health awareness and treatment. From leading his first speaking engagement in 2022 for the Jewish Federation of Atlantic and Cape May Counties in South Jersey, where he spoke to more than 80 people, to now partnering with Kooth, a free and confidential mental health service for Philadelphia youth, Lane has proven himself as a role model in the community."
The Man of the Year Award was first given out in 1970, with the homage to Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton being added to it in 1999. Johnson is aiming to become the fourth Eagle to win the award, joining Harold Carmichael (1980), Troy Vincent (2002) and Chris Long (2018).
