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Lane Johnson Pays Tribute to Close Friend Who Sacrificed Career for His Super Bowl Dream

Groveton, TX – September 19, 2025

The story of Lane Johnson’s rise to NFL stardom didn’t begin with the Philadelphia Eagles, or even with the Oklahoma Sooners. It began in 2007, under the Friday night lights of Groveton, Texas — and with a best friend who believed in him more than himself.

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Back then, Johnson was a towering but raw teenager, lining up on the offensive line for the Groveton Indians. By his side was childhood friend Jake Carter, a lineman with quick feet, refined technique, and the same dream: to earn a scholarship that could open the door to college football and maybe, just maybe, the NFL.

 

That fall, opportunity came. A recruiter from the University of Oklahoma arrived, searching for one standout to recommend for a full scholarship. The Groveton coach made it clear: whoever shined brightest in the biggest game of the season would get the nod.

Through three quarters, Carter was the one stealing the spotlight — flawless blocks, perfect protection, and relentless effort. But with the game on the line, Carter did something no one expected. On a critical play, he stepped aside. He gave Johnson the angle for a pancake block that flattened a defender and sprung the running back for a game-winning touchdown.
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Afterward, Johnson confronted him. “Why did you give that up? That was your moment.” Carter simply smiled. “Because you’ve got more in you, Lane. You can go further than me. I just wanted to make sure you had the chance.”

That moment changed everything. The recruiter circled Johnson’s name. A scholarship to Oklahoma followed. And from there, the road to the NFL opened wide.

Johnson became the No. 4 overall pick in the 2013 draft, a cornerstone of the Eagles’ offensive line, a three-time Pro Bowler, an All-Pro, and a champion on the night Philadelphia stunned New England in Super Bowl LII.

Carter’s path was different. He went to a smaller school, fought through injuries, and eventually settled into life as a high school football coach. But Johnson never forgot. Years later, after establishing himself in Philadelphia, he found his old friend.

Johnson bought Carter a home in Groveton. He gifted him the truck he had always dreamed of, a Ford F-150. He invited him to sit in VIP seats at Eagles games and made sure Carter’s children had the support they needed to reach college.

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Ravens Fan-Favourite CB Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Baltimore, MD – October 8, 2025Baltimore Ravens second-year cornerback Nate Wiggins is mourning a profound personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin, Justin “Spidey” Fuller — a respected military-trained skydiving instructor — died in a tragic tandem jump accident outside Nashville. Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters. Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending personnel for their efforts. Known by the nickname “Spidey,” Fuller died after a tandem skydive went wrong on October 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee. (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey) Beloved in the skydiving community, Spidey had completed more than 5,000 jumps and helped train U.S. service members in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused and devoted to lifting others higher — in life and in the air.” Wiggins — whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller’s mother, grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Nate that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Nate lives and plays today.” Wiggins, a former first-round pick from Clemson, has steadily earned the Ravens’ trust as a rotational cornerback in nickel/dime packages, praised for his speed, press technique, and ability to carry deep routes. Coaches describe him as “wise beyond his years,” calm under pressure, and disciplined at the catch point. Through the first five games of 2025, he has 12 solo tackles, 4 passes defensed, and 1 interception, reinforcing his value on the perimeter.  The Ravens organization has provided time and private support for Wiggins and his family, ensuring he can grieve without team-related obligations. Teammates have stood beside him, honoring both his resilience and his family’s tradition of service. The FAA is investigating the incident, while tributes to “Spidey” continue to pour in on social media from military colleagues, fellow skydivers, and fans across the country.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. Wiggins kept his public comments brief, speaking softly before being embraced by teammates:“Spidey always told me not to fear the height — only the moment you forget to look down and pull someone else up with you. This week, I’m playing for him.”