The Philadelphia Eagles are not a prime Super Bowl contender just because they have one of the NFL’s best rosters. When push comes to shove, they have impeccable chemistry and seemingly love playing with and supporting one another. If you mix that sort of unmeasurable love with tangible talent, it can be an impossible mix to beat.
As teammates for roughly 11 seasons, All-Pro center Jason Kelce and All-Pro right tackle Lane Johnson are consummate examples of this phenomenon. The Eagles revealed a beautiful way that Kelce paid tribute to his long-time teammate and friend.
In a new video, the Eagles showed off a moment from their offensive line room on October 11. It features the team surprising Johnson as its 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee — awarded annually to one NFL player for excellence on and off the field. More importantly, it showcases an emotional Kelce standing up in front of the room and delivering a passionate speech about his pride and love for his teammate.
Warning: May induce tears at home.
.@LaneJohnson65 was not expecting this 🥹@nationwide | #WPMOYChallenge pic.twitter.com/OhGm3tqFul
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) December 7, 2023
(Composes self)
Oh, uh, sorry, is someone cutting onions? Please stop that.
Anyway, what an incredible moment for Kelce and Johnson. Through Kelce’s public vulnerability, it’s evident both Eagles care a great deal about each other.
This was how Twitter reacted to Kelce and Johnson's moment
Congratulations Lane! https://t.co/qBpF789g9N pic.twitter.com/3miEqZvcND
— GoodSense (@Since19854) December 7, 2023
Kelce really knows how to tug on those heart strings man. Gotta grown man tearing up on a Thursday. https://t.co/F4YFGKjcgv
— Coordinated Chaos (@Coordin8edChaos) December 7, 2023
I'm not crying, my eyes are just sweaty https://t.co/JPVSPJb4r3 pic.twitter.com/MonJ2WElsZ
— Jeremy (@koerin86) December 7, 2023
Sometimes i wonder if these guys know how much they are loved and appreciated by their fans
I love this team and I'm proud of them-not just great players, but truly great humans💚 https://t.co/xSY8KdRAE0— Shawn (@justbreatheluvv) December 7, 2023
Jason Kelce might be the greatest human in sports https://t.co/xYxlJnnV8s
— Mike Nash (@MikeNash15) December 7, 2023
This is fantastic. Congrats Lane https://t.co/L4DpngjGGH
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) December 7, 2023
I don't know if I will ever recover from a Jason Kelce retirement. That man is a national treasure. https://t.co/lZVpjrIGkx
— Dora Lee Boyd Simons (@doraboydsimons) December 7, 2023
I will be inconsolable the day Kelce and Lane retire. I love this team and these guys so much https://t.co/QWPkTgLiDw
— Dani Romanoff (@DaniKeyarrow) December 7, 2023
Jason Kelce wears his heart on his sleeve and that’s why he’s the face of the franchise & city https://t.co/AHFX5383BE
— mike ciminera (@Mikee_Jordann) December 7, 2023
