Philadelphia fans rejoice as a Super Bowl hero comes home for one final, emotional day with the Eagles after leaving the Bills.QQ
Philadelphia, PA — A fan-favorite from the greatest night in Eagles history has officially closed his NFL chapter.
The Buffalo Bills’ latest roster move has unexpectedly marked the end of an era for one of the NFL’s most respected specialists. After weeks of stalled recovery from a foot injury, the team released their veteran punter — a decision that directly led to his choice to retire from football altogether.
It wasn’t the ending fans hoped for, but it was the one reality allowed.
Cameron Johnston, the beloved former Philadelphia Eagles punter and Super Bowl LII champion, has officially decided to retire following Buffalo’s decision to waive him from injured reserve. The 33-year-old Australian specialist walks away after nearly a decade of excellence and adversity, including multiple major injuries that ultimately ended his career.
But before stepping away, Johnston made one final request — one that spoke directly to where his heart always belonged.
According to team sources, Johnston flew back to Philadelphia early Thursday morning to sign a ceremonial one-day contract, allowing him to retire as a member of the Eagles.
The short visit was described as quiet and deeply meaningful. Johnston reportedly told front-office staff that “it just felt right to finish where everything truly began.”
The Eagles welcomed him back with open arms. Several former teammates stopped by the NovaCare Complex to shake his hand, share memories, and thank him for the stability he brought during the team’s most iconic era.
His retirement will officially be recorded under the franchise he helped lift to a Super Bowl championship.
During his three seasons with the Eagles (2018–2020), Johnston delivered consistently outstanding production:
Philadelphia Eagles regular-season stats:
• 2018: 61 punts, 2,937 yards (48.1 average)
• 2019: 71 punts, 3,292 yards (46.4 average)
• 2020: 71 punts, 3,318 yards (46.7 average)
Inside the 20: 24, 28, 26
Long punts: 68, 61, 66 yards
Games played: All 48
His precision, consistency, and ability to flip the field placed him among the league’s top punters during that span.
After leaving Philadelphia, Johnston thrived with the Houston Texans — leading the NFL in punt yards (4,108) and total punts (88) in 2021. Later, Pittsburgh gave him a three-year, $9 million contract in 2024, but a severe knee injury in the season opener derailed his tenure.
This year, a new foot injury with Buffalo became the final blow. When doctors informed him that recovery would again take months, Johnston chose to step away.
Sources say Johnston wanted a simple exit — no spotlight, no farewell speech — just gratitude and peace.
Still, Philadelphia fans will not forget what he brought:
• Super Bowl LII champion
• Elite field-position weapon
• A pioneer among Australian specialists
• A steady, humble veteran who never complained, only performed
And now, with a one-day contract, he leaves exactly as Eagles fans remember him — in midnight green.
Cameron Johnston retires as one of the most dependable and respected punters of his era — a player who gave the Eagles stability at a position often overlooked until something goes wrong.
For the NFL, he leaves as a model of professionalism.
For his former teammates, he leaves as a quiet leader.
And for fans — in Philly and in Australia — he walks away a champion in every sense.
