If you are acquainted with the Philadelphia Eagles, then you likely recognize the boldness of veteran safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson — a player who has dedicated the initial 6 years of his career playing on the brink.
That’s why it should be no shock that Gardner-Johnson spoke up ahead of his second Super Bowl appearance with the Eagles on February 9 against the Kansas City Chiefs. This Super Bowl appearance also marks a 1-year journey for Gardner-Johnson to play with the Detroit Lions in 2023, where he was just 1 win shy of reaching the Super Bowl as the Lions progressed to the NFC Championship Game.
Though Gardner-Johnson rejoined the Eagles on a 3-year, $27 million deal in 2024, his experience with the Lions lingered for the former Florida standout … just like gum clings to the sole of your shoe.
“It was terrible,” Gardner-Johnson informed Detroit Free Press journalist Dave Birkett on February 6. “I was deceived, so it was, no matter.” I was informed, with respect, that I would be brought back, but I wasn’t brought back. The offseason became significant for me, re-signing (with the Eagles) since I wasn’t that concerned about it. “Everything turned out well.”
Competing on a 1-year, $6.5 million contract with the Lions after not securing a long-term agreement with the Eagles post-2022 season, Gardner-Johnson was absent for 15 regular-season games in 2023 due to a torn pectoral muscle. He came back to participate in all 3 playoff matches, including a defeat against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game.
If There’s Conflict, CGJ is Likely Engaged
Gardner-Johnson — who has repeatedly indicated his intention to legally adopt the name “Ceedy Deuce” — possesses one of the more vibrant records of fines and on-field occurrences in recent times.
Selected by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round (No. 105 overall) of the 2019 NFL draft, Gardner-Johnson has accumulated nearly $200,000 in fines for multiple infractions over his initial 6 seasons. Three instances for unlawful strikes. Two times for unsportsmanlike behavior. Twice for combat … and six times for provocation.
Voted ‘Most Irksome’ NFL Player by Colleagues
In a survey conducted by The Athletic with 110 NFL players and published on November 27, Gardner-Johnson emerged as the clear victor when asked: “Who is the most annoying player in the NFL?”
Gardner-Johnson secured 20.9 percent of the votes, significantly surpassing Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, who came in second with 11.9 percent.
For the second consecutive year, Gardner-Johnson led a particular category in The Athletic’s anonymous survey, with the “Most Annoying” category shifted from when he ranked first for “Biggest Trash Talker” in 2023.
From The Athletic: “In the previous season, we requested players to identify the top trash-talker.” This year, we expanded the inquiry to include the most irritating, allowing players to determine what they considered annoying.