Eagles' Johnson receives praise from unlikely source

Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson. Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles All-Pro lineman Lane Johnson receives praise from unlikely source

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 1/29/23

Philadelphia Eagles All-Pro tackle Lane Johnson played Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers with a groin injury, which garnered praise from an NFC East rival.

Dallas Cowboys standout linebacker Micah Parsons took to Twitter on Sunday, calling Johnson's performance fighting through injury "Freaking heroic!"

I dot think people realize what lane Johnson is doing rn! Freaking heroic! One of my favorites players in this league!
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) January 29, 2023

Parsons' comments are surprising, not only because he's from a bitterly hated rival but also because he's been relatively outspoken about Johnson's teammate, quarterback Jalen Hurts.

Back in December, Parsons questioned Hurts' MVP candidacy, alluding the quarterback's success in Philly to the system and team around him.

Initially, Johnson sustained his groin injury in a Week 16 loss to the Cowboys. Still, he returned several weeks later for the Eagles' playoff opener against the New York Giants in the divisional round.

Ahead of Sunday's conference title game, Johnson revealed to FOX's Jay Glazer that he had re-tore his groin last week against the Giants, but he would "have to deal with it and block out the pain."

#Eagles Pro Bowl RT Lane Johnson told @JayGlazer that he re-tore his groin in last week’s game, but he’s playing though it for today’s NFC Championship Game.

“I just have to deal with it and block the pain.”
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 29, 2023

Johnson showed tremendous willpower gutting it out through what has to be an excruciatingly painful injury to play with, especially for an offensive lineman.

However, Johnson is as important to the Eagles' tremendous offensive line as any player. And if the Eagles are going to win the franchise's second Super Bowl in two weeks, they'll likely need Johnson to tough it out again.

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