At 28 years old, Chicago Bears safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson is already thinking about his exit, which is quite surprising.
The round 4 pick went on record this week, spelling out a four-year retirement plan. For a player who bounced through four teams in a single calendar year, the idea of walking away early and on his own terms clearly has some appeal.
He shared the endgame plan during a livestream, saying he wants to win a Super Bowl, earn a few more paychecks, and then move on to life as a full-time content creator.
Bears safety CJ Gardner-Johnson reveals post-NFL plan after $30M career
Gardner-Johnson’s NFL story is one of the more turbulent in recent memory. Drafted by the Saints in the fourth round in 2019, he spent three years in New Orleans before landing with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022.
Nov 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (35) sacks New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Nov 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (35) sacks New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
There, he became one of the league’s premier ballhawks, leading the NFL with six interceptions in 2022 and matching that career-high with another six interceptions during a second stint in 2024. He ultimately earned his first Super Bowl ring with the Eagles in February 2025 following their victory in Super Bowl LIX.
Afterwards, Philadelphia traded him to the Houston Texans in March 2025, but the trade ended after a short stint. They released him after he started just three games. He then had a brief stint on the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad in October before being released again.
By late Oct. 2025, Chicago became his fourth employer of the calendar year. He signed a one-year deal with the Bears for approximately $1.17 million to reunite with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. Now he wants a palace where he can actually settle and retire after winning a ring.
On stream, Gardner-Johnson made clear he doesn’t see a green future with the Bears.“I’m retiring in four years. F— it. News flash, I’m done in four years, I’m out this b—, four-five years,” hesaid.
𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: CJ Gardner-Johnson says he plans to retire from the NFL in the next four years to become a streamer.
“Win the Super Bowl, make some money, and I’m out, I’m tryna be free and stream my life.”
CJ made $30 million so far in his career 😳pic.twitter.com/ni4qBr1NJt
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 24, 2026
He added, “Win the Super Bowl, make some money, turn another city up, and then I’m out…. I got kids to take care of. I’m trying to be free and stream my life.”
When asked about a potential return to the Eagles, he didn’t hesitate. “Hell yeah,” he said. Gardner-Johnson’s career earnings have crossed $30 million across his three big contracts, and he said himself he wants to “be free and stream my life.”
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The Eagles have appeared in two of the last four Super Bowls (winning one) and are considered strong contenders heading into the 2026 season. Since his best career performances have come in their system, expressing interest in a reunion seems quite feasible.