Ahead of Super Bowl LIX, Lane Johnson Shares his Thoughts on the Oklahoma Sooners

As the Super Bowl LIX approaches, one of the more intriguing storylines surrounding the big game is the involvement of former Oklahoma Sooners players, specifically Lane Johnson. Lane Johnson, the standout offensive lineman for the Philadelphia Eagles, has become a cornerstone of the Eagles’ offensive line and one of the best players at his position in the entire NFL. As the Eagles gear up for a shot at the NFL championship, Johnson is reflecting on his journey to this point, including his time with the Oklahoma Sooners, his rise to NFL stardom, and what it all means as he heads into another Super Bowl appearance.

A Legacy Rooted in Oklahoma

For Lane Johnson, his story begins at the University of Oklahoma, where he became one of the most dominant players in the program’s storied history. Johnson was a standout in the trenches for the Sooners, a team known for its high-powered offense and fierce competition in the Big 12. His time in Norman, Oklahoma, was marked by growth, adversity, and the development of a mindset that would ultimately lead him to success in the NFL.

Johnson’s time at Oklahoma was far from ordinary. He wasn’t always a natural at the offensive tackle position—his journey to becoming one of the top players in college football is a testament to his resilience and work ethic. Johnson originally began his college career as a tight end, but it wasn’t long before coaches recognized his raw athleticism and strength. His transition to the offensive line, while challenging, proved to be the right decision. By the time Johnson completed his tenure at Oklahoma, he had established himself as one of the most highly regarded offensive line prospects in the country.

Reflecting on his time at Oklahoma, Johnson credits the program’s coaching staff, particularly former offensive line coach Bruce Kittle, for helping him evolve into the player he is today. “It was a learning process,” Johnson says. “I was learning the fundamentals of the position, and at Oklahoma, we had great coaches who instilled in us a mentality of working hard every day. The coaches pushed us, and that made all the difference for me.”

Johnson’s success with the Sooners helped pave the way for his eventual selection in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. But the foundation for his professional success was laid during his time in Norman.

The Oklahoma Sooners’ Impact on Lane Johnson’s Career

Looking back, Lane Johnson sees his time at Oklahoma as more than just a series of practices and games—it was a formative experience that shaped his approach to football. His time as a Sooner gave him the tools not only to excel on the field but also to approach the mental and emotional challenges of the game. The competitive culture at Oklahoma, coupled with the tradition of excellence, taught him how to handle pressure, focus on details, and continuously strive to improve.

“I had some of the best mentors and teammates at Oklahoma, and I took a lot of lessons from them,” Johnson says. “At Oklahoma, you learn to embrace competition. You’re always competing for a spot, and you learn how to elevate your play week after week. That mentality stuck with me as I made the transition to the NFL.”

Johnson also credits Oklahoma’s winning culture for his growth as a player. The Sooners are a perennial powerhouse in college football, and that environment of sustained excellence helped prepare him for the next level. While at Oklahoma, Johnson had the opportunity to compete in high-profile games and against top-tier talent, experiences that would prove invaluable as he entered the NFL.

The Sooners’ offensive line during Johnson’s time in Norman was a unit that was praised for its physicality and technical ability. The team was built on a foundation of balance, and the offensive line played a crucial role in executing the up-tempo, pass-heavy offense that was the hallmark of Oklahoma’s attack. Johnson’s ability to protect the quarterback, open running lanes, and create space for skill players helped propel the Sooners to national prominence during his years in the program.

As Johnson reflects on his time with Oklahoma, he notes the importance of the relationships he formed during his college years. While individual success is vital in football, Lane understands the significance of teamwork, especially on the offensive line, where coordination and chemistry are essential. Johnson formed lifelong bonds with his teammates, and many of them continue to be a part of his support system to this day.

Transitioning from Oklahoma to the NFL

Following his successful college career, Johnson entered the NFL as one of the most highly regarded prospects in the 2013 draft class. Despite his impressive skills and pedigree, the transition to the professional level came with its challenges. The speed, complexity, and physicality of the NFL were on an entirely different level, and Johnson had to quickly adjust to the demands of playing against the best players in the world.

One of the key factors in Johnson’s rapid success at the NFL level was his ability to adapt. His versatility—having played tight end earlier in his career—allowed him to be more agile and athletic than many other offensive linemen. Johnson’s blend of size, athleticism, and football intelligence made him an immediate impact player in the league.

Since entering the NFL, Johnson has become a mainstay on the Eagles’ offensive line and one of the best tackles in the game. His ability to dominate in both the running and passing games has earned him multiple Pro Bowl selections and widespread recognition for his exceptional performance. In particular, Johnson has excelled at protecting the quarterback and ensuring that his team’s offensive rhythm remains intact.

“Lane has been the backbone of our offensive line,” says Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. “He’s not just a great player; he’s a leader. He sets the tone for how we operate on offense. Whether it’s a key block on third down or just the way he approaches practice every day, Lane brings that winning mentality that he developed at Oklahoma.”

Johnson’s leadership and consistency have been crucial to the Eagles’ success, and his ability to stay healthy and dominate in the trenches has made him one of the most reliable players in the NFL. As the Eagles prepare for Super Bowl LIX, Johnson’s presence on the field will be integral to their chances of securing the championship.

The Connection Between Lane Johnson and the Oklahoma Sooners

Despite his rise to NFL stardom, Lane Johnson’s connection to Oklahoma remains strong. He often speaks highly of the program and the people who helped him reach the level of success he enjoys today. Johnson has maintained close ties with the Sooners’ coaching staff and players, regularly visiting the team and offering advice to current players.

When asked about the role Oklahoma played in his development, Johnson points to the program’s culture and the influence it had on him as a player. “Oklahoma is a place that teaches you how to be successful,” he explains. “They push you every day to be your best, and they give you the tools to reach your potential. I owe a lot of my success to the coaches, my teammates, and the fans who supported me.”

For Johnson, being able to represent Oklahoma at the highest level has been a point of pride. Whether he’s dominating in the NFL or preparing for the Super Bowl, he knows that his success is a reflection of the lessons he learned in Norman. Johnson often credits his time at Oklahoma with giving him the mental toughness and discipline that have helped him overcome obstacles and thrive in the NFL.

With the Eagles facing off against a formidable opponent in Super Bowl LIX, Johnson knows that the stakes are high. However, as someone who has been through the battles at Oklahoma and in the NFL, he’s confident in his ability to deliver when it matters most. He sees this Super Bowl appearance as an opportunity not just for personal glory, but to represent the Sooners and everything the program stands for.

“I wouldn’t be here without my time at Oklahoma,” Johnson says. “I learned so much there, and I carry those lessons with me every time I step on the field. As I prepare for the Super Bowl, I’m thinking about all the people who helped me get here. Oklahoma will always be a part of me.”

The Impact of Lane Johnson’s Legacy on the Oklahoma Sooners

As Lane Johnson continues to make his mark in the NFL, his legacy at Oklahoma is firmly established. He is a prime example of how a player’s hard work, determination, and willingness to adapt can lead to success. Johnson’s journey from a tight end to one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL has inspired many young athletes, particularly those at Oklahoma who look up to his career as a model for how to reach the highest levels of the game.

As the Sooners continue to develop their next generation of offensive linemen, Johnson’s story serves as a blueprint for success. His work ethic, leadership, and commitment to excellence are qualities that Oklahoma hopes to instill in their players moving forward.

With Super Bowl LIX on the horizon, Lane Johnson is once again poised to add to his already impressive legacy. Regardless of the outcome of the game, Johnson’s journey—from his time at Oklahoma to his rise in the NFL—has already cemented his place as one of the best to ever play the position. As he takes the field for the biggest game of his career, Johnson will no doubt carry with him the lessons and values he learned as a Sooner. And for Oklahoma fans, there’s a sense of pride in knowing that one of their own is continuing to represent the program at the highest level.