Latest news with #Gardner-Johnson
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'LIX my b*lls': Did C.J. Gardner-Johnson go too far? Taylor Swift feud reignites over NSFW shirt and Kayla Nicole jab
C.J. Gardner-Johnson is stirring the pot again with Taylor Swift's fanbase (Getty Images) C.J. Gardner-Johnson isn't backing down from his headline-grabbing feud with Taylor Swift and her devoted fanbase. From mocking Travis Kelce's ex to wearing a vulgar anti-Swiftie shirt at the Super Bowl parade, the NFL star reignited the drama on The Pivot Podcast—and fans are once again debating whether he went too far for attention. From Super Bowl shade to Swiftie backlash: C.J. Gardner-Johnson reignites pop culture war Months after the Super Bowl parade confetti settled, NFL safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson is back in headlines—and once again, it involves Taylor Swift and her fiercely loyal fanbase. During a recent appearance on The Pivot Podcast, the former Eagles and current Super Bowl champion revisited the viral controversy that pitted him against the pop icon's followers, the Swifties. — MySportsUpdate (@MySportsUpdate) What started as a locker room joke turned into a full-blown cultural clash between the NFL world and Swift's global fan empire. At the center of the storm? An NSFW shirt, a post aimed at Travis Kelce's ex Kayla Nicole, and a wave of backlash that spilled far beyond social media. From trash talk to Target run-ins: the feud that won't fade The controversy began when Gardner-Johnson took to Instagram after Super Bowl LIX, seemingly mocking Kelce for dating Swift by suggesting he'd have won a ring had he stayed with Kayla Nicole. Just days later, he amped up the feud by wearing a sweatshirt at the Eagles' parade that read, 'Swifties can LIX my b----.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Many Are Watching Tariffs - Few Are Watching What Nvidia Just Launched Seeking Alpha Read More Undo According to the safety, the shirt wasn't his idea. 'It was left in my locker by one of Big Dom DiSandro's friends,' he explained, describing it as a locker room joke that unfortunately made its way to national headlines. The fallout was swift—literally. Taylor Swift's fans didn't just unfollow or unfavor him; they review-bombed his mother's Florida restaurant on Yelp, unleashing waves of one-star ratings and snide remarks. C.J. Gardner-Johnson sets record straight on his behavior after Eagles trade to Houston | The Pivot Surprisingly warm encounters with Swifties off the field Despite the chaos, Gardner-Johnson said some fans of Swift later approached him with a mix of criticism and kindness. 'We don't like what you did, but I'm a fan of you,' he recalled one Swiftie saying during a surprisingly pleasant chat in a Target aisle. Even amid controversy, moments of unexpected civility surfaced—hinting that not all fandom feuds are beyond repair. Still, the incident reignites conversations about boundaries between pop culture and sports trash talk. Taylor Swift herself has never commented publicly on the feud, though she did receive boos from some NFL fans during her Jumbotron appearance at Caesars Superdome on February 9. Also Read: 'NFL Season (Taylor's Version)': Taylor Swift's lucky number 13 has fans convinced Travis Kelce is destined for NFL glory in 2025 As for C.J., he seems ready to own the narrative—without backing down. While tensions may have eased, his podcast remarks prove that the line between jest and disrespect remains razor-thin when Swifties are involved. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Texans' CJ Gardner-Johnson Reflects on the Eagles Not Renewing His Contract
Months after the Philadelphia Eagles rescinded CJ Gardner-Johnson's contract, the seasoned safety has come out to share his thoughts about his unceremonious and sudden departure from the Lincoln Financial Field. In a recent interview, Gardner-Johnson recalled how he felt when the Eagles decided to trade him to Houston just weeks after he led them to the second Super Bowl title in their history. CJ Gardner-Johnson opens up about parting ways with the Philadelphia Eagles During his recent appearance on the Pivot podcast, CJ Gardner-Johnson noted that he was 'in shock' when the Eagles traded him to the Houston Texans in March 2025, instead of renewing his contract. Advertisement 'I was trying to make history there,' the 27-year-old safety remarked before adding, '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.' Gardner-Johnson then revealed that he had relocated his family and kids to Philadelphia a short while before the Eagles unexpectedly announced his departure. After trading CJ Gardner-Johnson, Eagles' general manager Howie Roseman came out to explain his side's surprise decision, stating that they sanctioned the departure of the NFL veteran to make room for long-term contracts for younger players. Initially, the Florida Gators alum openly expressed his displeasure with the Eagles' decision to part ways with him, going as far as to say, '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,' in a June Instagram live session. (via Newsweek) Advertisement However, CJ Gardner-Johnson seems to have accepted how things have transpired now and issued a contradictory statement about Philadelphia not renewing his contract in the aforementioned interview. Putting all animosity aside, Gardner-Johnson noted, 'I got nothing against them. If they win six more rings without me, they deserve it.' The NFL icon originally joined forces with the Eagles back in 2022, before leaving the side in 2023 for the Detroit Lions. However, he returned for a second stint just a year later in 2024, only for Philadelphia to cut his deal short in 2025. CJ Gardner-Johnson will now don the colors of the Houston Texans in the upcoming NFL season. The post Texans' CJ Gardner-Johnson Reflects on the Eagles Not Renewing His Contract appeared first on Mandatory.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
'So we can't wear green anymore?': CJ Gardner-Johnson's son's heartbreaking reaction to Eagles trade
It wasn't the stats or the stadium he missed, it was the moment his son asked if Philly was no longer home. In the , trades usually come with cold headlines and fast-moving deals. But for safety C.J. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Gardner-Johnson, being traded away from the Philadelphia Eagles wasn't just a career move, it was a punch to the gut, delivered in the most unexpected way. CJGJ's son wasn't asking about clothes, he was asking about home For kids, sports teams aren't just symbols. They're traditions. They're Sundays with Dad, tailgate memories, and jerseys worn with pride. 'My son said, 'So we can't wear green anymore? and that killed me.' That single line from Gardner-Johnson, shared during an appearance on The Pivot podcast, is proof that NFL life affects far more than just the athlete. It's a powerful glimpse into how deeply a uniform, a city, and a team become a part of a family's identity especially through the eyes of a child. C.J. Gardner-Johnson sets record straight on his behavior after Eagles trade to Houston | The Pivot When Gardner-Johnson's young son asked if they couldn't wear green anymore, he wasn't asking about fashion. He was asking, are we not part of this anymore? That's the part that broke CJGJ. Because while he could suit up for a new franchise, it was much harder to explain to his child why the colors that once defined their family's weekends suddenly had to go. CJGJ found his swagger in Philly and so did his family C.J. Gardner-Johnson joined the Eagles in 2022 and instantly became a fan favorite. His trash talk, his energy, and his big plays fit perfectly with Philly's gritty identity. He helped the team reach the Super Bowl and built a reputation as one of the league's most dynamic safeties. But off the field, his family was adjusting just as fast. They embraced the culture. They bled green. His son didn't just support the team, he felt like he was part of it. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now That makes leaving even tougher. Behind every trade is a family picking up the pieces Trades and roster moves are treated like chess pieces by the NFL front offices. But for players like Gardner-Johnson, they're full-on life changes. New cities, new schools, new routines. And sometimes, no chance to say goodbye. That's why his son's question hits so hard. Because behind every professional athlete is a dad trying to help his kid make sense of something completely out of their control. CJGJ didn't bash Philly. He didn't talk about contracts. He just told the truth. That the part that hurt most wasn't leaving a locker room, it was having to explain that the green they wore with pride was now a memory. Also read -
NBC Sports
4 days ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
C.J. Gardner-Johnson: Eagles traded me because they're scared of a competitor
C.J. Gardner-Johnson helped the Eagles win the Super Bowl in February, but he was traded to the Texans in March. And Gardner-Johnson thinks the Eagles got rid of him because they don't like his competitive approach. Gardner Johnson was asked on The Pivot podcast why he thinks he's not an Eagle anymore. 'Scared of a competitor,' Gardner-Johnson answered. 'Simple as that.' Gardner-Johnson felt that he wasn't supported by his coaches when he was ejected from a late-season game against the Commanders, and that he was blamed for a postseason practice scrum. In both cases, Gardner-Johnson said he was just letting the competitive juices flow. 'We had a little scrum at practice,' Gardner-Johnson said. 'Nothing, just offense vs. defense, but who's the culprit of it? Me, I guess, because we're competing. Well, you tell me the period is live. You're telling us not to compete during a live period, but it's a live period and we're getting ready for a playoff game?' Gardner-Johnson indicated that teammates have never has a problem with his competitive approach, but coaches and front office executives have. 'You want me to be a leader and outspoken but then you want me to sit back,' Gardner-Johnson said. 'There's nowhere been a locker room where I had a single issue with a teammate.' Now Gardner-Johnson will bring his competitiveness to Houston.
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
C.J. Gardner-Johnson Walks Back Harsh Comments Toward Eagles
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. 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… — 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.' 🤝 — 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
