Emmanuel Acho criticizes Stephen A. Smith's comments on Lane Johnson's retirement
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 7, 2026, 9:29 PM
Last updated Oct 7, 2026
Emmanuel Acho has publicly challenged Stephen A. Smith's remarks regarding Lane Johnson's retirement from the NFL. Smith linked Johnson's departure to the Philadelphia Eagles' struggling start this season. Johnson recently announced his retirement during his 14th season, citing a shift in personal priorities and the need to focus on his mental health. Smith, while discussing this on ESPN’s First Take, implied Johnson's decision was influenced by the Eagles' performance. Acho countered that Johnson’s mental health and personal issues should not be trivialized and are unrelated to the team's record. Johnson has previously spoken about his mental health struggles and off-field challenges, including family matters.
- •Lane Johnson announced his retirement after 14 NFL seasons.
- •Stephen A. Smith suggested the Eagles' record affected Johnson's decision.
- •Emmanuel Acho refuted Smith's claim, citing Johnson's mental health.
- •Johnson has previously discussed mental health issues and family responsibilities.
- 9:29 PMYahoo Sports — Emmanuel Acho, ex-Eagles LB, calls out Stephen A. Smith’s Lane Johnson take
"Stephen A. Smith tied Lane Johnson’s sudden retirement to the Philadelphia Eagles’ 2-2 start on ESPN’s First Take on Wednesday, and some of the sharpest responses came from people who have been around the right tackle for years. Johnson announced on Tuesday that he was leaving the NFL in the middle of his 14th season, […] The post Emmanuel Acho, ex-Eagles LB, calls out Stephen A. Smith’s Lane Johnson take appeared first on Gridiron Heroics.
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