Texans CB Kamari Lassiter 'hates Florida' but loves new Gator teammate CJ. Gardner-Johnson
Kamari Lassiter hates the University of Florida, but he loves what C.J. Gardner-Johnson will bring to the Houston Texans' secondary this fall.
It's expected for the second-year cornerback out of Georgia to despise his rival school, especially after the dominance in recent years from the Bulldogs in the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party in Jacksonville. Still, talent comes from the Southeastern Conference each year. Once in the league, the only colors that matter are the ones on Sundays.
Lassiter knows that despite being a Gator, Gardner-Johnson adds a spark to a secondary looking to become the top unit in 2025.
"He's one hell of a ball player. He really understands the game. He's played for a long time and he comes with his own energy," Lassiter said following Tuesday's OTA practice. "He just comes with his own passion and it affects the players around him. You can see, just watching this film, how his energy and how he talks and how he plays the game, it affects people around him, whether it's on the opposite side of the ball or whether it's on his side of the ball.'
Acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for Keynon Green and a 2026 fifth-round pick, Gardner-Johnson should provide more stability opposite second-year starter Calen Bullock. He also joins a group of veterans in a young core who understand the pathway toward postseason success, including Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon, All-Pro defensive end Danielle Hunter and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.
Last season, Houston put together a pass defense that ranked sixth in passing yards allowed (201) and 13th in scoring defense (21.9). Gardner-Johnson, who totaled 12 interceptions during two seasons with the Eagles in 2022 and 2024, should be a welcome name to a unit that finished top three in turnovers last season.
While Florida and Georgia fans can't coexist, Lassiter is sure that he and Gardner-Johnson can put down the conference hatred in college if it leads to a conference title in the NFL.
The Texans open the regular season against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on Sept. 7.
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