Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson no doubt has a prolific career on the football field.
A five-time Pro Bowl and four-time All-Pro selection, Johnson has made a name for himself as one of the best offensive linemen in the league.
Johnson has earned the respect of his teammates as a three-time captain.
As successful as he's been in Philadelphia on the field, some of the most rewarding work Johnson does comes off the field.
The Eagles named Johnson as their 2024 nominee for the NFL's Salute to Service Award for his long history of serving active-duty military members, veterans, and their families.
When he was selected the team's Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee in 2023, Johnson designated the Travis Manion Foundation as his charity of choice. The Bucks County-based organization was founded in honor of First Lieutenant Travis Manion, who was killed in action in 2007. It offers programs for veterans and the families of fallen soldiers.
"When I talk to these people, they all say this one certain organization has helped the most, and it's not just talk, it's a lot of action," Johnson said. "Shoutout to the Travis Manion Foundation and everything they've done and allowed me to be a part of. It's just a tremendous honor and I want to continue to make it go."
Through his support with the foundation, Johnson got involved with the Gold Star Family initiative – which honors families of fallen heroes who served in the United States Armed Forces through programs and services at no cost.
Through this initiative, Johnson meets with families the night before every road game, taking pictures, hearing their stories, and giving them tickets to the game the next day.
"It just puts life into perspective. I'm obviously playing a game that's for entertainment and enjoyment, but when you hear real families that go through real hardships and real tragedies and may not have the resources to bounce back – you hear their voices, you hear what they've overcome, what they've had to do, and how they've been helped," Johnson said.
For Johnson, his trainer, Gabe Rangel, is a big reason why Johnson has been so involved with military family initiatives.
Rangel served as a Marine and has been a big part of Johnson's life since he hired him. Johnson also has had family in the armed forces, who fought in World War II and Vietnam.
"He's (Gabe Rangel) been a tremendous part of my life. We've helped a lot of people in the military, the different branches, communicating with them, whether that be the mental health side or recovering from the tragedy side," Johnson said. "I felt Gabe really helped me step into that role more and he was really the primary influence behind that, so shoutout to him."
Fans will vote for which nominees become finalists for the award from now until November 30. They can submit one vote per day. The three finalists will be announced in January and the recipient will be recognized at NFL Honors during Super Bowl LIX week.
– Written by Liam Wichser
