‘Just Like Me as a Baby’: Lane Johnson’s Heart-Stopping Moment Seeing His Son’s Birth Defect

Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson, a four-time Pro Bowler, experienced a heart-stopping moment when his son, David Jace, was born with clubfoot in August 2013—the same condition Johnson had as a baby. The diagnosis, detected in utero, hit Johnson and his then-wife Chelsea hard, but it also forged a profound bond between father and son. “Seeing him, it was like looking at me as a baby,” Johnson shared in a 2014 6abc Philadelphia interview, reflecting on the emotional weight of the moment.

David, born the day after Johnson’s NFL preseason debut, faced early challenges. At six days old, he was fitted with a cast, followed by corrective surgery at three months. “They caught it early, so we were prepared,” Chelsea told 6abc. By 10 months, David was thriving, a testament to medical intervention and parental resolve. Johnson, who underwent similar treatment as an infant, found strength in his own journey, saying, “I turned out fine, so I knew he’d be okay.”

Now 34, Johnson, who has battled anxiety and depression, channels his resilience into fatherhood and advocacy. With two more children, Journey and McCoy, he remains a pillar for the Eagles and his family, proving toughness extends beyond the field.