The Detroit Lions are among the 30 teams that have been eliminated and will be spectators for Super Bowl 59 featuring the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs.
With one game remaining in the season, various teams and players have turned their focus to the offseason, but Eagles safety C.J. Gardner Johnson discussed his experience with the Detroit Lions.
While conversing with Dave Birkett from the Detroit Free Press in New Orleans, Gardner-Johnson disclosed that his time with the Lions was not enjoyable. He even claimed that Detroit deceived him.
Lions Update: C.J. Gardner-Johnson Criticizes the Lions
In March 2023, Gardner-Johnson agreed to a one-year contract worth $6.5 million with the Lions. He ultimately tore his pectoral muscle in Week 2 and was sidelined for most of the season. Gardner-Johnson came back in January for the postseason.
He noticed his position being reduced, as Ifeatu Melifonwu and Brian Branch received additional playing time. Before the event took place, tensions were escalating.
“Truthfully, like in Detroit it was hell. I went there just to — OK, when I got hurt I was like, ‘(Expletive) it.’ Truthfully. That’s why I didn’t go rehab there.”
Gardner-Johnson kept making jabs at the Lions, stating, “I was benched because Iffy took my position.” He had a solid stint, and they believed — yet he didn’t end up starting this year, which was wild. “You observe their position, and you observe my position.”
Although that upset the 27-year-old, his greatest issue was that the Lions deceived him. He believed that Detroit would renew his contract, but that never occurred. He believes his performance in the NFC Championship Game versus the 49ers significantly influenced that choice.
Gardner-Johnson remarked, “I was deceived, so it was, whatever.” I was informed, politely, that I would be returned but ended up not being brought back. The offseason became significant for me as I signed back here; I wasn’t overly concerned about it. Everything turned out well. I truly sensed that their feelings were more pronounced after the game. After one missed tackle and a coverage breakdown that wasn’t my fault. “I suppose I turned into the team’s antagonist.”
In the defeat against the 49ers, the Florida native achieved a 33.9 overall rating and a 45 coverage score according to PFF. He also surrendered 28 yards while in coverage.
His time with the Lions was not fruitful, and he expressed how pleased he is to be with the Eagles. Particularly as they are dressing up on Super Bowl Sunday.