Discover the unbreakable bond between Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson as they reveal their secrets to supporting each other through every obstacle

When Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson first joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011 and 2013 respectively, neither could have imagined the decade-long journey they would embark on together. But over the past 10+ seasons, Kelce at center and Johnson at right tackle have anchored the Eagles offensive line, developing not just a strong professional relationship but a deep personal friendship.

Their bond was forged in the trenches, battling side by side against some of the fiercest defenders in the NFL week after week. While many teammates come and go, Kelce and Johnson have remained constants for the Eagles, relying on each other through injuries, roster changes, coaching staff overhauls, and the highs and lows of an NFL season and career. It’s a shared experience that few others can relate to and has served to strengthen their connection off the field as well.

“We’ve been playing together for so long now, going on our tenth season, that there’s definitely a comfort level out there,” Kelce said. “Lane and I have seen it all, been through everything together. I know what he’s thinking before the snap even happens a lot of the time. That kind of chemistry only comes from the time we’ve invested in each other.”

Johnson echoed those sentiments, calling Kelce a “tremendous friend” who he’s come to depend on. “When you go into battle with someone for this long, a bond forms that can’t be broken,” he said. “I trust Kelce with my life out there. I know he always has my back and I try to do the same for him. It’s awesome to have that kind of relationship with a teammate.”

Their loyalty and commitment to one another was on full display during the Eagles’ 2017 Super Bowl run. Both Kelce and Johnson played through injuries that season, pushing their bodies to the limit to help deliver Philadelphia its first championship. Even after achieving football’s ultimate goal, their drive to continue competing alongside each other remained as strong as ever.

Dumb and Dumber Duo

Off the field, Kelce and Johnson’s dynamic could be described as a real-life version of the classic comedy Dumb and Dumber. According to Johnson, Kelce brings all the energy and humor, often acting without thinking, while Johnson plays the straight man, reacting to his friend’s antics.

“Lane is definitely more reserved and level-headed,” Kelce laughed. “I’m out there doing and saying whatever comes to mind. Lane just kind of looks at me like I’m an idiot sometimes. But he loves me anyway.”

Johnson confirmed Kelce’s self-assessment, admitting he often feels like Jeff Daniels’ character Harry Dunne to Kelce’s limitlessly enthusiastic Lloyd Christmas. “The things that come out of Kelce’s mouth, I just shake my head and think ‘what is he doing?’” Johnson said in an interview with Sports Illustrated. “But he keeps me on my toes and never lets things get boring, I’ll give him that.”

Their contrasting personalities mesh well together. Kelce’s lighthearted nature helps Johnson loosen up and enjoy himself more. And Johnson’s calm, rational presence balances Kelce’s freewheeling style. Behind closed doors, the two likely keep each other constantly entertained with their banter and antics. But when the game is on the line, they lock in with the utmost focus and professionalism.

Mutual Respect

Despite their comedic dynamic, Kelce and Johnson share a profound mutual respect. Both are immensely proud of what the other has accomplished individually and as a unit. Johnson has been a stalwart at right tackle, earning three Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro nods. And Kelce is considered one of the best centers of his generation, making five straight Pro Bowls from 2014 to 2018 and receiving a Super Bowl MVP award.

Their on-field achievements are a testament to their ability to gel seamlessly. Defenders have nightmares facing the Kelce-Johnson tandem. Working in tandem, they’ve cleared holes for LeSean McCoy, Darren Sproles, Miles Sanders and other Eagles backs over the years. And they’ve given quarterback Carson Wentz, Nick Foles and others pristine pocket protection to deliver downfield strikes.

“I don’t think people realize how good Lane really is,” Kelce said. “He’s one of the most complete tackles in the league. I’m so lucky to have him beside me every week.”

Johnson is just as complimentary about Kelce. “Kelce is a tremendous player but an even better person,” he told Sports Illustrated. “He’s the heart and soul of this team. I don’t know where we’d be without him.”

Their respect has only grown deeper through the highs of winning a Super Bowl together and the lows of injuries or disappointing seasons. It’s fueled their desire to keep performing at an elite level as they push further into their 30s, still leading the Eagles offensive line with no end in sight.

WrestleMania Shenanigans

While football consumes most of their time during the season, Kelce and Johnson like to cut loose and have fun whenever possible. In 2019, they took their bromance to wrestling’s biggest stage by making a surprise cameo at WrestleMania 35 in New Jersey.

Sneaking into MetLife Stadium without any prior announcement, Kelce and Johnson emerged through the crowd during a match between wrestlers Kurt Angle and Baron Corbin. They played to the Philly faithful in the crowd, dancing and hamming it up along the barricade. Kelce even tossed Johnson into the ring at one point, much to the delight of viewers at home.

Their WrestleMania antics highlighted Kelce and Johnson’s playful dynamic. Away from the intense football grind, they enjoy letting their hair down and acting like kids again. The wrestling stunt also showed their commitment to embracing Philadelphia and its passionate fanbase. As homegrown stars, they understand the city and want to connect with locals on another level.

Kelce later said he and Johnson had been itching to make a WrestleMania appearance for years. “Lane and I are huge wrestling fans so this was such a blast for us,” Kelce explained. “We just wanted to give the Philly fans something fun and unexpected. I’m sure we annoyed a lot of people but it was totally worth it.”

Their cameo went over huge with WWE audiences. The Eagles stars proved natural entertainers willing to ham it up for the spectacle. It highlighted their personalities are a perfect match whether on the football field or in the over-the-top world of sports entertainment. Kelce and Johnson’s WrestleMania moment will go down as one of their all-time great offseason adventures together.

Kelce’s Biggest Fan

As Kelce’s celebrity and influence has grown in Philadelphia, Johnson has been his biggest cheerleader. When Kelce made his musical debut singing the national anthem before an Eagles game in 2020, Johnson was front and center recording it on his phone. He later shared the video to social media with a caption praising his friend.

Johnson also offered his take when Kelce made headlines by exchanging messages with pop star Taylor Swift on social media in 2021. In a YouTube video, Johnson said watching it all unfold, “I was just like, ‘Man, good for Kelce!’ He’s living the dream right now. I’m so happy for him.”

Johnson seems genuinely pleased for Kelce as new opportunities arise. He doesn’t begrudge the attention his friend receives. Rather, Johnson is supportive and wants the best for Kelce in all aspects of life. Their bond provides a sense of normalcy as Kelce’s star power increases, with Johnson always keeping him grounded.

Through Thick and Thin

Over the past decade, Kelce and Johnson have experienced highs like winning a Super Bowl and lows like injuries or disappointing seasons together. They’ve also navigated changes like coaching staff overhauls and new teammate rotations. But through it all, their friendship has endured.

Kelce and Johnson have seen each other at their best and worst on and off the field. They’ve leaned on each other during trying times and celebrated successes together. An unbreakable trust has developed from all they’ve shared. It’s enabled them to be completely themselves around one another without judgment.

As their NFL careers enter a new phase, the future remains uncertain. But one thing is clear – as long as Kelce and Johnson continue suiting up for the Eagles, their bond will only strengthen further. They’ve proven a decade’s worth of battles can foster a friendship that transcends the game. Their story shows how deep professional and personal relationships intertwine when two people dedicate themselves fully to a common purpose.

The bond between Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson is a shining example of what can blossom from a decade of shared experiences, mutual respect and a little bit of “Dumb and Dumber” fun along the way. Their brotherhood represents the best of what team sports can cultivate both on and off the field. Eagles fans are grateful to have witnessed it up close for over 10 memorable seasons so far.