Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Fred Johnson (74) Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports

New Eagles tackle gets roasted by teammates

By Bruce Ewing | Last updated 9/25/23

Philadelphia offensive tackle Fred Johnson was the feel-good story of training camp last month when he received the first multi-year contract of his career. But considering the grief he’s taking from teammates, he can’t possibly feel good about them.

After a recent practice, Eagles players were asked to name who would play them in a movie. Former NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was nominated to play center Jason Kelce and professional wrestler “Stone Cold” Steve Austin was assigned to right tackle Lane Johnson.

We can see it #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/lM3UWmlhiP
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 23, 2023

Defensive tackle Brandon Graham saw a little of himself in Will Smith, but Johnson saw more George Foreman in his teammate. Graham seemed to enjoy the comparison, but it didn’t stop him from returning fire. “Y’all seen Fred…E.T. phone home,” he said. “He already got a movie out.”

That’s just mean. Johnson is quick to point out that the famous extraterrestrial is not a real person, but that couldn’t contain the sheer joy his linemate Jordan Mailata seemed to take away from the comparison.

After that, Johnson might have a little something extra for Graham when they face each other in practice. In reality, the exchange really shows that after four years of bouncing around the NFL, Johnson finally has a home in the Eagles’ locker room.

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