The Philadelphia Eagles faced controversy during their visit to the White House, as several key players, including Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith, opted not to attend. In contrast, others such as Lane Johnson, Saquon Barkley, and owner Jeffrey Lurie were present and reportedly enjoyed their time with President Donald Trump. Lurie expressed gratitude, reminiscing about the honor of visiting the White House as a child.

This division among players has sparked debate among fans and league commentators. While one faction criticized Hurts and others for their absence, some were equally displeased with Barkley's participation. Despite these political differences, experts suggest that the team’s strong culture and commitment to winning will remain intact as they shift their focus back to preparation for the upcoming season.

Andrew Whitworth, the former left tackle for the Los Angeles Rams, is advocating for a new annual award to honor the best offensive lineman in the NFL, tentatively named the 'Shield Award.' This initiative aims to shift the narrative surrounding offensive linemen, who are often recognized for their mistakes rather than their contributions. The award would celebrate standout performances by individual linemen, offering young players role models to aspire to, such as Trent Williams and Lane Johnson.

Whitworth, alongside fellow lineman Dion Dawkins, has presented this idea to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, receiving encouraging feedback. The award would be presented at the NFL Honors during Super Bowl week, addressing the perceived bias towards quarterbacks in MVP discussions. A committee of players and experts would determine the recipient, ensuring the award reflects genuine excellence in lineman play.

The NFL owners have decided to table a proposal aimed at banning the controversial 'tush push' play, allowing teams like the Philadelphia Eagles to continue utilizing it for now. Eagles offensive lineman Lane Johnson celebrated the decision on social media, suggesting that other teams were envious of the Eagles' success. The play, characterized by its effective execution involving Jalen Hurts and the Eagles' strong offensive line, remains a focal point for discussion among coaches and executives within the league.

While the Eagles, led by head coach Nick Sirianni, advocate for the play—citing its effectiveness—other teams have expressed concerns over its usage. Although the proposal’s future remains uncertain, with discussions potentially resuming in May, for now, the Eagles can relish their tactical advantage while the league continues to weigh the implications of the play.

Lane Johnson, the stalwart offensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles, has cemented his future with a contract extension lasting through the 2027 season. At age 35, and after a career marked by injuries, Johnson feels rejuvenated and ready to contribute for several more years, emphasizing his strong physical condition and love for the game. His recent performance speaks volumes; he allowed zero sacks and boasts an impressive pressure rate of just 1.4% last season.

With the Eagles holding a wealth of draft picks, fans speculate on potential roster improvements, but Johnson’s commitment might be central to the team’s success moving forward. Already a six-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl champion, Johnson aims for longevity in his career, with hopes of achieving milestones that could lead to Hall of Fame discussions.

Lane Johnson, the former Oklahoma Sooners offensive lineman, has secured a contract extension with the Philadelphia Eagles, keeping him with the team through the 2027 season. This extension comes after helping lead the Eagles to their second Super Bowl title last month, where they achieved an impressive club-record 3,048 rushing yards. Johnson's new deal averages $20 million per season, positioning him as one of the highest-paid right tackles in the NFL.

Johnson’s contributions were pivotal in protecting quarterback Jalen Hurts, another former Sooner, during the Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Since being drafted fourth overall by the Eagles in 2013, he has anchored the offensive line, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors. At 34 years old, Johnson remains a top-tier offensive tackle in the league.