The Pro Football Hall of Fame welcomed four more legends, including all-time Eagles great Eric Allen (at long last), during an induction ceremony Saturday in Canton, Ohio.
Allen played half of his 14-year career in Philadelphia, including his mesmerizing 1993 season in which he returned a record-tying four interceptions for touchdowns and was named Defensive Player of the Year.
Fast forward to 2025, the Eagles are set to field one of the youngest overall rosters in football as they look to recapture the glory of last year’s Super Bowl-winning season. The team is still oozing with talent, however, and per CBS Sports analyst Jeff Kerr, one Eagles veteran could retire today as a slam-dunk future Hall of Famer.
Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson will soon have a Gold Jacket of his own
Now officially the longest-tenured player on the Eagles roster, Johnson has little left to prove entering his age-35 season. He’s played in three Super Bowls, owns both of the franchise’s championship rings, and to Kerr’s point, seems to get better with age despite 12 NFL seasons:
“Lane Johnson is arguably the best right tackle of his generation, the anchor of an Eagles offensive line that has won two Super bowl titles in the last seven years,” Kerr wrote for CBS Sports. “A six-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro selection, Johnson has been arguably the best pass-protecting tackle in the NFL since he turned 30.”
The Eagles now have 25 Pro Football Hall of Famers, with Allen joining the likes of Reggie White, Chuck Bednarik, Brian Dawkins and Harold Carmicahel. Johnson might not be close to retirement — he’s currently signed through the 2028 season — but when his time comes, he won’t be waiting long for his own invite to Canton.
Jason Kelce should be a lock to make the Hall in his first year of eligibility, in 2030. LeSean McCoy will be a name to watch as soon as 2026, but as a running back, he could have to wait a while before being seriously considered.
That means, after Kelce, Johnson could be next in line for a Hall call — whenever he’s ready to hang up the cleats.
Lane Johnson’s Hall of Fame resume easily passes the eye test
You could argue that no Eagles player has had a bigger impact on the city and franchise as Johnson since his rookie season in 2013. Per PennLive, he’s since started 158 games while racking up an impressive haul of six Pro Bowl selections and five All-Pro nods.
While those statistics are eye-popping, ironman streaks and accolades are a must when it comes to modern-day Hall of Famers at the position. Johnson’s stats are already comparable to guys like Orlando Pace and Jonathan Ogden. Add in Philly’s multiple championship banners — and the potential for more dominant seasons on the horizon — and Johnson's legacy feels rock-solid both in the 215 and beyond.
