Podcast Summary: The Dan Patrick Show – Unbreakable Episode 117 with Lane Johnson

Release Date: February 5, 2025

Introduction

In Unbreakable Episode 117, hosted by Jay Glazer, the Philadelphia Eagles' talented offensive tackle, Lane Johnson, joins the conversation to delve deep into topics surrounding mental health, personal growth, and the pressures of professional sports. This episode stands out as a candid exploration of the mental challenges athletes face and the strategies they employ to overcome them, offering listeners both inspiration and practical insights.

Personal Relationship and Background

Jay Glazer opens the discussion by highlighting his longstanding friendship with Lane Johnson, emphasizing their shared journey in both sports and personal development.

• Jay Glazer: “Joining me is a man who has quite a busy week ahead of him here but also one of my first friends in this league who really made a difference when it comes to mental health.” [02:06]

Lane reflects on their bond, underscoring the mutual support that has been pivotal in their mental well-being.

• Lane Johnson: “Man, doing good? Yes. Quite a busy week and a busy one coming up. But yeah, man, thankful time's going fast and yes, it's been a fun ride.” [02:38]

Mental Health in Sports

A significant portion of the conversation centers on mental health, particularly how athletes navigate the intense pressures of high-stakes games and maintain their mental resilience.

• Jay Glazer: “We have to open up. We got to show that we're hurting. Let's dive into that a little bit.” [04:14]

Lane discusses the transition from maintaining a stoic façade to embracing vulnerability, highlighting the importance of being human in a hyper-competitive environment.

• Lane Johnson: “It's really going from being a robot or animal to a human again. So that's really what it is.” [04:46]

Coping Mechanisms and Techniques

Lane shares his personal strategies for managing anxiety and maintaining focus, especially on game days where the pressure is at its peak.

• Lane Johnson: “I do a lot of sudoku on game day. Don't really listen to music anymore. I just try to save my mind, stay pretty relaxed, focused, but relaxed.” [13:55]

He emphasizes the importance of staying present and avoiding overthinking, which can hinder performance.

• Lane Johnson: “You just gotta stay in the moment. A lot of what athletes do is overthink and overanalyze.” [03:33]

Changing Mindsets and Overcoming Stigma

The episode delves into the evolving perception of mental health in sports, with Lane and Jay advocating for openness and authenticity.

• Lane Johnson: “I've learned with age to handle it more with grace and talk and communicate it instead of letting it turn into something.” [10:21]

They discuss the shift from viewing mental health struggles as a weakness to recognizing them as integral aspects of personal and professional growth.

Impact and Influence

Lane reflects on how his openness about mental health has influenced others, fostering a more supportive and understanding environment both within and outside the league.

• Lane Johnson: “It's helped me and it's helped others, and I think it's authentic, which is all I care about.” [24:44]

Jay adds that their candid conversations have the power to uplift not just themselves but also those around them.

• Jay Glazer: “When you lean into me, dude, even though you're trying to get help for you, it lifts me up too.” [25:33]

Preparation and Consistency

The discussion highlights the importance of consistent training and self-improvement, both physically and mentally, to maintain peak performance.

• Lane Johnson: “I do that usually five days a week during the off-season, throughout the year.” [21:15]

He underscores the necessity of attacking personal weaknesses and adapting to changes, ensuring longevity in his athletic career.

• Lane Johnson: “The first thing to do is, you know, try to attack your weaknesses and stay consistent with that.” [22:10]

Super Bowl Week and Team Dynamics

As the episode approaches its conclusion, Lane shares his experiences and emotions surrounding Super Bowl week, emphasizing the camaraderie and collective focus of the team.

• Lane Johnson: “Just enjoying it with the teammates. Everyone has different reactions and emotions, but it's something to celebrate before it kicks off.” [16:22]

Jay and Lane reminisce about past Super Bowl moments, illustrating the blend of excitement and pressure that comes with such a significant event.

• Jay Glazer: “You have a funny Super Bowl moment where you're standing there on one of the other games and you saw someone famous or somebody in the crowd. You're like, oh.” [19:57]

Conclusion

Unbreakable Episode 117 offers a profound look into the mental fortitude required in professional sports. Through his honest and heartfelt conversation with Lane Johnson, Jay Glazer not only sheds light on the personal struggles that athletes face but also celebrates the resilience and support systems that help them thrive. This episode serves as a testament to the power of vulnerability, friendship, and continuous self-improvement in achieving greatness both on and off the field.

Notable Quotes:

• Lane Johnson: “People suffer more in their heads than what they do in reality.” [05:31]
• Jay Glazer: “Most people don't sign up for a fight. They sign up for a business or a sport or a game, not a fight.” [23:23]
• Lane Johnson: “Talk to yourself more than you listen to yourself. Say, 'Come on, you can do this.'” [24:08]

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersections of sports, mental health, and personal development. Lane Johnson's insights, coupled with Jay Glazer's empathetic hosting, provide a compelling narrative on building mental wealth and resilience in the face of adversity.