ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith issued an apology video on X after facing criticism for comments he made on First Take about Philadelphia Eagles tackle Lane Johnson’s retirement.
Johnson, a 14-year veteran, announced his retirement four games into the NFL season, citing his mental health. “Right now, it is critical that I focus on my mental health,” Johnson said. Johnson has previously spoken publicly about his struggles with severe anxiety and depression.
On Wednesday’s broadcast, Smith questioned the timing of Johnson’s decision, suggesting the Eagles’ rocky start to the season played a bigger role than personal reasons. “Now he calls it quits. Not before the season. Not in the offseason,” Smith said. “… Four games into the 2026 season, a dude that has been in the league forever sits back and says, ‘I need to focus on my mental health.’ Am I making it up?”
Smith continued, mocking the framing of Johnson’s announcement: “And this brother said, ‘Hey, my life matters. It’s time. I’m gonna call it quits. My mental health. My mental.’ Lord!”
The Eagles had traded starting lineman Cam Jurgens to Baltimore earlier the same day, compounding the loss of Johnson, an All-Pro, for the Philadelphia roster.
Co-host Kimberley A. Martin challenged Smith live on air, telling him, “I feel like you’re making light of the situation.”
Smith then tried to clarify his comments on the broadcast, saying, “I would never make light of mental health issues. I’m making light of the Philadelphia Eagles’ trashy situation right now.”
Later that afternoon, Smith posted a video apology on X. “I’m sorry that when I was on television earlier this morning, on First Take … people misconstrued me minimizing mental health,” he said.
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