by A Brotherhood Built on the Field
The bond between Philadelphia Eagles centers Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson is one that has been forged over a decade of shared experiences on and off the football field. Drafted in 2011 and 2013 respectively, Kelce and Johnson have anchored the Eagles’ offensive line together for the past 9 seasons, blocking side by side in 144 regular season games and helping lead the team to numerous playoff appearances and an improbable Super Bowl LII championship in 2018. But their connection runs far deeper than just being teammates – through the highs and lows of NFL careers, Kelce and Johnson have developed a friendship rooted in mutual respect, unwavering support, and just a touch of good-natured ribbing.
From the moment Johnson joined the Eagles as a first round pick in 2013, he looked up to the veteran Kelce as a leader both on the field and in the locker room. “Jason was one of the first guys I met when I got here. He showed me the ropes of how things work,” Johnson recalled. While their styles may differ – the energetic and outspoken Kelce versus the more reserved Johnson – their commitment to one another and the team has always been unwavering. “We’ve been through a lot together. Ups and downs, injuries. But we’ve always had each other’s back,” said Kelce.
That support has been crucial over the past decade as both Kelce and Johnson have battled through numerous injuries. In 2014, Johnson suffered a concussion and missed two games, while Kelce gutted through a sports hernia injury the same season. The following year saw Johnson sidelined for four games with an ankle sprain, and in 2017 Kelce missed six games after undergoing knee surgery. Through it all, they leaned on one another for encouragement, advice, and comic relief. “Lane is always good for a laugh when I’m down. He keeps things light when they get dark,” said Kelce. Their ability to find humor even in difficult times has helped strengthen their bond.
On the field, Kelce and Johnson’s chemistry is undeniable. With Kelce at center and Johnson protecting the right side, they have formed one of the most formidable left-right combinations in the NFL. Their near-perfect synchronization is a key factor in the Eagles’ offensive success over the past decade. “We just know each other so well at this point. A little look, a nod – we don’t even need words,” said Johnson. Kelce agreed, noting that their intuitive understanding has allowed them to consistently execute complex blocking schemes and protect quarterback Jalen Hurts. “Lane and I see the game the same way. We anticipate each other’s moves. It’s like we can read each other’s minds out there.”
That kind of cohesion has been instrumental in the Eagles achieving great team success including their first ever Super Bowl title in 2018. The image of Kelce racing off the field in jubilation with the Lombardi trophy will forever be etched in Eagles lore. But for Kelce, one of the sweetest moments of that championship run came in a simple exchange with his friend and linemate. “After the final whistle blew, Lane and I just looked at each other. No words needed. Just a hug. We did it,” recalled Kelce, choking up at the memory. Their palpable joy and pride in one another’s accomplishments has come to define Kelce and Johnson’s bond over the years.
Beyond their work between the lines, Kelce and Johnson’s friendship has extended into the community as well. They frequently participate together in Eagles charity events supporting local Philadelphia causes. Johnson especially holds community outreach close to his heart, having grown up in a working-class family himself. “The people of this city need our help. It’s important we give back,” said Johnson. Kelce couldn’t agree more, noting that their efforts, whether playing football or volunteering side by side, are most meaningful as a team. “Lane leads by example off the field just like on it. I’m proud to stand beside him.”
It’s that mutual admiration that has fueled Kelce and Johnson’s decade-long brotherhood. Through the high-profile highs of Super Bowl parades and Pro Bowl selections down to the low-key lows of injuries and average seasons, their bond has endured. Even as retirement rumors swirled around the 35-year old Kelce this past offseason, Johnson was steadfast in his support. “As long as Jason wants to do this, I’ve got his back. He’s the heart and soul of this team,” said Johnson. And with Kelce recently announcing his return for another season, Eagles fans can rest assured that the left side of their offensive line will continue to be anchored by these two friends a while longer.
A decade into their NFL careers, Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson show no signs of slowing down. But regardless of when they eventually hang up their cleats, the friendship and understanding they’ve built together on and off the field will surely stand the test of time. Through adversity and success, in victory and defeat, their brotherhood remains as strong as the trenches they dominate game after game. It’s a bond that exemplifies what teamwork, camaraderie and commitment are truly about both on and off the gridiron.
