Lane Johnson is embracing a fresh start after 13 years in the league.

Since being drafted in 2013, the multiple-time All-Pro had only played under one offensive line coach. That changed this offseason with the introduction of Chris Kuper to the coaching staff.

When asked about having a new offensive line coach, Johnson made his feelings clear: "I'm all about it," Johnson told reporters after Tuesday's minicamp. "Coach Kuper played for lots of years in the league. So, not only coming to me as a coach but as a player, I got a lot of respect for him."

Johnson is also excited for the changes that come with a new system. "I have never had any guard help these years. It's always been one-on-one. So having the ability to be inside and having a guard come out and help me is the big deal."

With the new changes, Johnson believes the offense will be able to do more than it was able to last year, especially in the run game. "We have a lot of athletic guys up front, so being able to stretch the field, make the d-tackles run and make the linebackers run, cover all this ground," Johnson said. "Play-action is just going to be a whole lot tougher to distinguish what we're doing."

With the new drills, tempo, and scheme, Johnson admits this offseason has been "totally different," and the offensive line is still getting used to the changes. However, Johnson is excited to learn new tricks.

"I've watched this system [… ] from afar and I've always envied and wanted to be a part of it," he said. "So here I am after all these years getting the chance."

Johnson's 2025 campaign was cut short during the Week 11 matchup against the Detroit Lions. On the very first offensive play, Johnson felt a pop in his foot. "The next series, I took a bull rush from Aidan Hutchinson, and I couldn't anchor and I was like, 'OK, something's wrong.'"

Johnson missed the rest of the season, leading many to wonder if the 36-year-old tackle was close to hanging up his cleats.

So, was he?

Nope. He just wanted to play and get back on the field.

"I love this game so much. I love competing with all my teammates. I love just, you know, becoming an older player. A lot of guys trimmed down in the 30s. I feel like my career has been opposite, where my career started blossoming in my 30s."

No one was more disappointed with the injury than Johnson who thought he was having a great year.

"I wanted to come back and finish on a strong note and really say, you know, I got everything out of myself," Johnson said.

After a long recovery and changes to the coaching staff, Johnson is ready for his 14th year in the league.

"Change is what the NFL is all about and I'm just I'm just embracing it as I go." – Written by Caroline Connor