C.J. Gardner-Johnson Walks Back Harsh Comments Toward Eagles
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Former Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson has been sent packing by Philadelphia twice in three years. The pain hasn't gotten any easier to deal with.
"When I got traded [to the Texans], I was in shock," Gardner-Johnson said on a recent episode of The Pivot Podcast. "I told [Houston head coach DeMeco Ryans] I couldn't come into the building because I was confused. I didn't know who to turn to."
'My son said, so we can't wear green anymore? And that killed me.'
C.J. Gardner-Johnson- Super Bowl Champion
Super Bowl Champion is what he wants to be known as by the world and especially around the league, and now @CGJXXIII is opening up on how it hasn't been the case as his… pic.twitter.com/OkBuL9K5TA — Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) July 15, 2025
The Eagles traded Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans in March, one month after he helped them win a Super Bowl title. General Manager Howie Roseman cited financial flexibility as the reason behind the trade.
"Chauncey did a great job for us in both the years that he was with us, obviously making the Super Bowl twice in two years with him as our starting safety," Roseman said at the NFL annual meetings. "When you look at our team and you look at the amount of highly paid players who have earned their contracts, we've got eight guys who are making $15 million or more.
"We have, from 2022 to 2024 drafts, we have eight starters who are on the Super Bowl team. None of those guys have long-term contracts. In those drafts, we probably have five or six players who will be competing for starting jobs. So you have a lot of players coming through that aren't under long-term contracts, plus a lot of guys who are on long-term contracts, and we never want to be in a situation where we have one year where we're getting rid of 20 guys."
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson #8 of the Philadelphia Eagles stands on the field prior to an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, at SoFi Stadium on November 24, 2024...
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson #8 of the Philadelphia Eagles stands on the field prior to an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, at SoFi Stadium on November 24, 2024 in Inglewood, California. Eagles C.J. Gardner-Johnson being evaluted for a concussion. MoreLooming contract extensions for Jalen Carter, Reed Blankenship, Jordan Davis, Nakobe Dean, and others contributed to the decision. Still, Gardner-Johnson said the defense would be worse off without him on an Instagram Live session in June.
"The Eagles probably won't see a ring without me. Y'all saw what happened when I left. I'm popping now, I'm glad I'm in Texas."
After Gardner-Johnson left the team in 2023, Philadelphia's defense suffered a catastrophic decline. All that changed when he returned in free agency last offseason.
2023 2024 Opponent points/game 30.5 (30th) 18.1 (1st) Opponent passing yards/game 255.7 (30th) 186.9 (2nd) Passer rating allowed 98.8 (30tj) 81.6 (2nd)
Gardner-Johnson walked back his comments during the podcast, specifically apologizing to Eagles players and Lane Johnson.
CJ Gardner Johnson has nothing but love for the Eagles and his former teammates, apologizing for emotionally saying the Eagles won't win another ring without him.
'I got nothing against them. If they win six more rings without me, they deserve it.' 🤝
pic.twitter.com/MIAUXogftp — SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) July 15, 2025
In two seasons with the Eagles, Gardner-Johnson recorded 126 tackles, 20 pass breakups, and 12 interceptions. He brought a much-needed edge to a defense that needed intensity, and that energy catapulted Philadelphia to another championship.
With the drama now behind him, Gardner-Johnson can focus on making an impact with the Texans.
For more Philadelphia Eagles and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports
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