by The Brotherhood of the Birds: Inside the Legendary Friendship of Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson
[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]
For over a decade, Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson have anchored the offensive line of the Philadelphia Eagles, protecting quarterbacks and paving the way for running backs. But their impact on the team extends far beyond the football field. Behind the scenes, Kelce and Johnson have cultivated one of the strongest and most enduring friendships in the NFL. Through championships, injuries, controversies, and everything in between, they have supported each other unconditionally. Their bond has become legendary among Eagles fans, who affectionately refer to them as the “Linc Lenchpins.” But what exactly makes their friendship so powerful? Let’s take a closer look at the dynamics that have kept Kelce and Johnson brothers in arms for over ten years.
Years of Side-by-Side Success
It’s no exaggeration to say that Kelce and Johnson have been through it all together on the gridiron. Drafted just one year apart in 2011 and 2013, respectively, they immediately slotted into starting roles on the offensive line and have held down those positions ever since. Over the past decade, they have lined up shoulder-to-shoulder on countless Sunday afternoons, battling through the trenches together snap after snap.
This shared experience of over 100 games played side by side has undoubtedly forged a deep connection. They’ve celebrated Super Bowl victories together while also weathering difficult seasons and injuries. Through it all, they’ve had each other’s backs. Former Eagles coach Doug Pederson once said, “Those two, you can just see the bond they have out there on the field. It’s special to see two guys who have been together for so long playing at such a high level” (Sports Illustrated). Their years of success and struggles alongside one another have laid the foundation for a brotherhood.
Mutual Respect and Understanding
Beyond their on-field chemistry, Kelce and Johnson share a mutual respect and understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. In interviews, Johnson has described their dynamic humorously as a “Dumb and Dumber” pairing, with the hyperactive and outspoken Kelce playing the role of Jim Carrey to his more grounded Jeff Daniels character (Sports Illustrated). This playful self-deprecation hints at a deeper truth – they balance each other out.
Kelce’s boisterous leadership style is the perfect complement to Johnson’s quieter demeanor. While Kelce rallies the troops with fiery pre-game speeches, Johnson leads by example with his work ethic and discipline. They’ve learned when to reel each other in and when to let the other shine based on what the team needs in a given moment. This balance stems from a genuine respect for their differences. As Johnson said, “We just get each other. It’s a bond you can’t really explain” (Philadelphia Inquirer).
Emotional Connection
Beyond laughs and mutual understanding, Kelce and Johnson share a genuine emotional connection. This was on full display in 2019 when Johnson was nominated for the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, given annually to a player for outstanding community service as well as excellence on the field.
At the ceremony, an emotional Kelce delivered a heartfelt speech, praising Johnson’s character and impact. With tears in his eyes, Kelce said, “This guy is the epitome of a great football player but also a better person… he’s one of the best human beings I’ve ever been around” (YouTube). The raw emotion and admiration Kelce expressed for his friend in that moment spoke volumes about the depth of their bond beyond football.
Support Through Thick and Thin
Over the years, Kelce and Johnson have supported each other through many highs and lows. Perhaps most telling is the way Johnson has spoken about Kelce’s role in keeping him grounded, especially during times when Kelce’s larger-than-life personality attracts attention from the media.
In 2017, Kelce made headlines for some controversial remarks during a passionate speech at the Eagles’ Super Bowl parade. Johnson later acknowledged that Kelce’s antics could be a “distraction,” but praised his friend’s character, saying, “That’s just him being himself. He means well… I’ll always have his back” (Sports Illustrated).
Since then, Johnson has been there for Kelce during injuries, controversies, and everything in between. And Kelce has remained Johnson’s biggest cheerleader, even traveling to Johnson’s hometown recently to support him in a charity softball game. Their bond is unbreakable because they make a point to be there for each other, no matter the circumstance.
A Decade-Long Brotherhood
Over the past ten years, Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson have cemented themselves as two of the most respected and beloved Eagles of all time. But it’s not just their talent and accomplishments that have endeared them to fans – it’s the power of their friendship. Through unmatched experience, mutual understanding, genuine care for one another, and unconditional support, they’ve forged a brotherhood that has lasted far beyond their playing careers.
Even as they enter their 30s, the “Dumb and Dumber” duo shows no signs of slowing down. As long as they continue lining up side by side on Sundays, Eagles fans can look forward to more championship caliber play. But their greatest legacy may be representing what can be accomplished when two teammates commit to having each other’s backs, on and off the field, through all of life’s highs and lows. The bond between Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson serves as an inspiration, reminding us of the positive impact that can come from forging lifelong friendships.
[/bg_collapse]
