This weekend at WrestleMania in Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field, former Eagles center Jason Kelce and current Eagles tackle Lane Johnson made a cameo appearance on Saturday night. Johnson’s continued contract with the Eagles begged the question of whether or not he was acting in violation of the terms of the agreement.
It’s not a recent problem. The Titans filed a lawsuit against cornerback Pacman Jones in 2007 to prevent him from engaging in professional wrestling while serving a one-year suspension for violating the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy. The Titans prevailed.
At the time, Titans spokesman Robbie Bohren stated:
“All NFL players have language in their contracts that prohibit them from engaging in activities ‘which may involve a significant risk of personal injury,'”
“We certainly believe wrestling to be hazardous, and it is obvious from the player’s conduct that he is ignoring this aspect of his agreements with the club.”
PHILLY STRONG.@JasonKelce & @LaneJohnson65 just destroyed @DomMysterio35 at #WrestleMania XL! pic.twitter.com/k2xZdODDHA
— WWE (@WWE) April 7, 2024
Johnson didn’t have any such problems. The Eagles claim that the group was informed of Johnson’s intended involvement. The video also demonstrates how little he actually accomplished. Kelce took care of the physical tasks. In essence, Johnson cheered while holding a chair.
The activity is real, even though the outcomes are predetermined. Accidents do occur. In the end, Johnson took no action to endanger his 2024 playing career.
