“I Had It Too”: Lane Johnson’s Emotional Fight to Help His Son Overcome a Shared Genetic Disorder

Philadelphia Eagles’ All-Pro right tackle Lane Johnson is known for his dominance on the football field, having not allowed a sack in over two seasons. But off the field, Johnson has been fighting a deeply personal battle—one that involves helping his son overcome a genetic disorder they both share. In an emotional journey marked by vulnerability, resilience, and hope, Johnson has opened up about his struggles and his mission to ensure his son has the support he needs to thrive.

A Shared Struggle

Lane Johnson has been candid about his battle with anxiety, a condition that has affected him since his college days at Kilgore Junior College and was formally diagnosed when he transferred to Oklahoma. Over the years, he has managed his anxiety with therapy and medication, but the challenges intensified in 2021 when he attempted to taper off his antidepressant, Paxil, leading to severe withdrawal symptoms. These included vomiting, tremors, and insomnia, which pushed him to a breaking point where he nearly quit football. Johnson took a three-game hiatus from the Eagles to focus on his mental health, a decision that sparked widespread conversation about mental health in the hyper-masculine world of professional sports.

What Johnson didn’t expect was that his son, David, would also grapple with a similar condition. While the specifics of their shared genetic disorder remain private, Johnson has hinted that it involves neurological and emotional challenges, likely linked to anxiety or a related disorder. “I had it too,” Johnson said in a recent interview, his voice heavy with emotion. “Seeing him go through it, it’s like looking in a mirror. You want to protect your kid from that pain, but you also know you can’t shield them from everything.”

A Father’s Determination

Johnson’s journey as a father has been shaped by his own experiences with mental health. After returning to the Eagles in 2021, he became an advocate for destigmatizing mental health issues, inspired by teammates like Brandon Brooks, who also openly discussed his struggles with anxiety. Johnson’s advocacy took on new meaning when he recognized similar symptoms in his son. Determined to provide David with the tools he needed, Johnson sought out the best medical care and support systems available.

“I didn’t have the resources growing up that I do now,” Johnson shared. “My parents did their best, but we were figuring it out as we went. I want David to have everything I didn’t—doctors who understand, therapists who listen, and a dad who’s not afraid to say, ‘I’ve been there.’”

Johnson’s commitment to his son’s well-being led him to collaborate with specialists in pediatric neurology and psychology. He also enlisted the support of the Eagles’ medical staff, who helped connect him with experts at Penn Medicine. This proactive approach mirrors the way Johnson tackled his mother’s stage IV Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis in 2022, flying her to Philadelphia for a second opinion that ultimately offered a more optimistic prognosis.

Breaking the Stigma

Johnson’s openness about his and his son’s challenges has resonated far beyond the football field. In a sport where toughness is often equated with silence, his willingness to share his story has inspired countless others. “Lane’s not just a great player; he’s a great human,” said Eagles center Jason Kelce, who was visibly emotional when discussing Johnson’s impact. “The hope he’s given people, the lives he’s touched by saying, ‘It’s okay to not be okay’—that’s bigger than any game.”

Johnson’s advocacy has also highlighted the genetic component of mental health disorders, encouraging families to seek early intervention. “If you know it runs in the family, don’t wait,” he advised. “Get ahead of it. The earlier you start, the better chance your kid has to manage it.” His message aligns with growing research that emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for genetic disorders affecting mental health, such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, or related conditions.

A Family United

The Johnson family’s journey has not been without hardship. Lane’s parents, David and Ray Ann Carpentier, have faced their own health challenges, from David’s pacemaker implantation to Ray Ann’s cancer diagnosis. Yet, their resilience has been a source of strength for Lane as he navigates fatherhood. “My mom always says, ‘Life’s short, don’t take it for granted,’” Johnson noted. “That’s what keeps me going—for David, for my family.”

Johnson’s wife, Chelsea, has also been a pillar of support, helping to coordinate David’s care and fostering an environment where mental health is openly discussed. Together, they’ve created a home where David feels safe to express his struggles, a stark contrast to the isolation Lane felt growing up.

Looking Forward

As Lane Johnson prepares for another NFL season, he remains focused on both his career and his family. On the field, he continues to dominate, earning accolades as one of the league’s top offensive tackles. Off the field, he’s a devoted father, advocating for his son and others facing similar challenges. Through partnerships with organizations like the Eagles Autism Foundation and mental health initiatives, Johnson is working to expand access to resources for families dealing with genetic disorders.

“I want David to know he’s not alone,” Johnson said, his eyes welling up. “I had it too, and I’m still here, fighting. He can do that too.” With his characteristic grit and heart, Lane Johnson is not only protecting his son but also paving the way for a future where no one has to face their struggles in silence.