Philadelphia Eagles star Lane Johnson has raised eyebrows and sparked a firestorm of discussion after calling out Fox Sports for snubbing him from its list of the “Top 10 Biggest Athletes in Philadelphia.” The outspoken offensive tackle, who has been an integral part of the Eagles’ offensive line and a key figure in the team’s success over the years, took to social media to express his displeasure with the ranking.

Fox Sports recently released a list that ranked the “Top 10 Biggest Athletes in Philadelphia,” a list that included iconic names like Allen Iverson, Jimmie Rollins, and even current stars like Joel Embiid. However, despite his prominent role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl win in 2018 and his status as one of the league’s best offensive linemen, Johnson was noticeably absent from the rankings.
While the list garnered praise from many sports fans and commentators, Johnson’s exclusion did not sit well with the veteran tackle. His reaction on social media was swift and blunt, immediately drawing attention from fans and sports media alike.
Taking to Twitter, Lane Johnson posted a candid message to his followers, saying, “If I’m not in the Top 10 Biggest Athletes in Philly, then I guess I’ve been doing it all wrong.” In a follow-up tweet, Johnson didn’t mince words: “Fox Sports, come on. I’ve been an anchor of this team for years. Super Bowl champ, four-time Pro Bowler, and a key part of the Eagles’ success. Can’t believe I’m not in the Top 10.”

His comments were a mix of frustration and self-affirmation, underscoring his belief that his accomplishments and consistent performance over the years deserve recognition. For many fans, it was a call for respect, as Johnson has remained one of the most dominant forces in the NFL at his position. His absence from the list came as a shock to many, considering his role in one of the most historic moments in Eagles’ franchise history—the team’s first Super Bowl victory.
Lane Johnson has been the anchor of the Eagles’ offensive line for nearly a decade, a vital component in both their offensive success and their championship run. Known for his quick feet, toughness, and versatility, Johnson has become one of the most respected tackles in the NFL. His accolades speak for themselves: he’s a four-time Pro Bowler, a Super Bowl champion, and a perennial All-Pro candidate.
In addition to his on-field accomplishments, Johnson has been a vocal leader in the locker room, providing veteran leadership to both new and veteran players. His leadership during the Eagles’ 2017-2018 season, which culminated in their Super Bowl LII victory, was integral to the team’s success. Johnson’s ability to protect quarterback Carson Wentz and Nick Foles throughout the season helped create the offensive stability necessary for the Eagles to make their historic run.
So, when Fox Sports released its ranking of the biggest athletes in Philadelphia and Johnson was nowhere to be found, it came as a surprising oversight for many who follow the Eagles’ fortunes closely.
In response to Johnson’s tweets, many of his followers and Eagles fans voiced their support, expressing that Johnson’s omission was unjust and wrong. One user tweeted, “Lane Johnson has been the backbone of the Eagles for years. How does he not make the list? This is a joke.”
Others pointed out that Johnson’s importance to the team far outweighed some of the other athletes included in the ranking. “No disrespect to Iverson or Rollins, but Lane Johnson’s contributions to this franchise over the years are immeasurable,” one fan wrote. “He’s been one of the most consistent players on the team for nearly a decade.”
Even some of Johnson’s teammates came to his defense. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who has a strong relationship with Johnson both on and off the field, tweeted, “Lane Johnson is the heart and soul of the offensive line. No one works harder. Period.”
Lane Johnson’s comments have reignited the debate over athlete rankings in sports media. It’s no secret that rankings often generate controversy, especially when iconic players like Johnson feel they’ve been left off the list despite their significant contributions to their teams and cities.
While Fox Sports has yet to respond to Johnson’s comments, the issue of ranking athletes based on popularity, career achievements, and impact is a complex one. The inclusion of names like Iverson, who is a Philadelphia legend in basketball, and Embiid, who currently dominates the city’s sports scene, is understandable. However, the question remains—how do you balance past success, current impact, and overall legacy when compiling such rankings? Johnson’s absence from the list certainly calls into question whether the criteria for such rankings are comprehensive enough to include players like him who might not have the same media visibility but are vital to their teams’ success.
Lane Johnson’s snubbing from Fox Sports’ list has only seemed to fuel his desire to continue performing at the highest level. As the Eagles look to build on their recent success and make another Super Bowl run, Johnson’s focus will undoubtedly be on leading the team both on and off the field.
Whether or not Fox Sports revisits their rankings, one thing is clear: Lane Johnson remains one of the most influential and respected players in the NFL, and his snubbing from the list won’t define his legacy in Philadelphia. In fact, it could just serve as extra motivation for the Eagles’ star to continue dominating the league and proving why he belongs among the top athletes in Philadelphia.