Stephen A. Smith faces backlash for mocking Lane Johnson's mental health reasons for retiring
Stephen A. Smith has found himself at the center of a heated controversy after his comments about Lane Johnson ’s decision to retire from the NFL sparked backlash from viewers and even an uncomfortable moment among his fellow First Take panelists. Johnson, the longtime Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle, announced his retirement Tuesday after 14 NFL seasons. The 36-year-old said he had reached the difficult decision after reflecting on his personal and family priorities and realizing that he needed to focus on his mental health.
Fans slam Stephen A. Smith over Lane Johnson mental health comments during heated First Take segment
On Wednesday’s episode of ESPN ’s First Take, Smith discussed the impact Johnson’s retirement could have on an Eagles team already dealing with a number of injuries and struggles.
But his commentary quickly shifted toward questioning the timing of Johnson’s decision and his stated reason for stepping away. Smith repeatedly emphasized that Johnson did not retire during the offseason but instead walked away four games into the season. He then sarcastically repeated Johnson’s decision to prioritize his mental health, prompting an increasingly uncomfortable atmosphere at the desk.
Smith questioned why Johnson would leave while Philadelphia was dealing with a difficult stretch, particularly given how important the veteran offensive tackle was to the Eagles. At one point, Smith mockingly repeated the phrase “my mental health,” before arguing that the situation surrounding the Eagles had become so chaotic that it could push someone toward walking away from football.
The viewers accused Smith of making light of Johnson’s mental health struggles rather than simply criticizing the timing of his retirement.
Kimberley A. Martin calls Stephen A. Smith out
The moment became even more uncomfortable when Kimberley A. Martin appeared to challenge Smith over his tone. After Smith finished his rant, Martin told him that she felt he was “making light of the situation.”
Smith immediately pushed back, appearing surprised by the criticism. Martin clarified that she was referring to the suggestion that playing for the Eagles was somehow what caused Johnson to reach the point of stepping away. Her intervention changed the tone of the discussion, forcing Smith to explain what he meant.
Stephen A. Smith attempts to clarify his comments
Smith subsequently insisted that he was not making fun of mental health.
“Let me be very, very clear,” Smith said, explaining that he would never make light of mental health issues.
Instead, Smith argued that his criticism was directed at the Eagles and the chaotic circumstances surrounding the team. He pointed to Johnson’s importance to Philadelphia’s offensive line and argued that it was significant that an elite player would choose to walk away in the middle of a season.
Smith maintained that his larger point was that the Eagles’ situation had become so stressful that it could contribute to someone deciding that continuing to play was no longer worth it. Still, the clarification came after viewers had already reacted strongly to the original segment.
Johnson’s history made the discussion particularly sensitive. The veteran tackle has previously spoken publicly about dealing with anxiety and depression, and he stepped away from the Eagles during the 2021 season while addressing his mental health.
He also indicated before the 2026 season that retirement had already been something he had considered. During training camp, Johnson discussed how his priorities had changed as his children grew older and his parents aged.
His retirement statement ultimately framed the decision around his family, personal priorities and mental health rather than a single incident with the Eagles.
Fans slam Stephen A. Smith over Lane Johnson mental health comments during heated First Take segment
On Wednesday’s episode of ESPN ’s First Take, Smith discussed the impact Johnson’s retirement could have on an Eagles team already dealing with a number of injuries and struggles.
But his commentary quickly shifted toward questioning the timing of Johnson’s decision and his stated reason for stepping away. Smith repeatedly emphasized that Johnson did not retire during the offseason but instead walked away four games into the season. He then sarcastically repeated Johnson’s decision to prioritize his mental health, prompting an increasingly uncomfortable atmosphere at the desk.
Smith questioned why Johnson would leave while Philadelphia was dealing with a difficult stretch, particularly given how important the veteran offensive tackle was to the Eagles. At one point, Smith mockingly repeated the phrase “my mental health,” before arguing that the situation surrounding the Eagles had become so chaotic that it could push someone toward walking away from football.
The viewers accused Smith of making light of Johnson’s mental health struggles rather than simply criticizing the timing of his retirement.
Kimberley A. Martin calls Stephen A. Smith out
The moment became even more uncomfortable when Kimberley A. Martin appeared to challenge Smith over his tone. After Smith finished his rant, Martin told him that she felt he was “making light of the situation.”
Smith immediately pushed back, appearing surprised by the criticism. Martin clarified that she was referring to the suggestion that playing for the Eagles was somehow what caused Johnson to reach the point of stepping away. Her intervention changed the tone of the discussion, forcing Smith to explain what he meant.
Stephen A. Smith attempts to clarify his comments
“Let me be very, very clear,” Smith said, explaining that he would never make light of mental health issues.
Instead, Smith argued that his criticism was directed at the Eagles and the chaotic circumstances surrounding the team. He pointed to Johnson’s importance to Philadelphia’s offensive line and argued that it was significant that an elite player would choose to walk away in the middle of a season.
Smith maintained that his larger point was that the Eagles’ situation had become so stressful that it could contribute to someone deciding that continuing to play was no longer worth it. Still, the clarification came after viewers had already reacted strongly to the original segment.
Johnson’s history made the discussion particularly sensitive. The veteran tackle has previously spoken publicly about dealing with anxiety and depression, and he stepped away from the Eagles during the 2021 season while addressing his mental health.
He also indicated before the 2026 season that retirement had already been something he had considered. During training camp, Johnson discussed how his priorities had changed as his children grew older and his parents aged.
His retirement statement ultimately framed the decision around his family, personal priorities and mental health rather than a single incident with the Eagles.
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