Chicago Bears safety CJ Gardner-Johnson had opened up on his retirement plans as he nears the end of a prolific NFL career. Citing major professional goals he aims to achieve before retiring, the athlete gives fans a personal peek into his off-season ruminations.
However, while fans weren’t surprised by his retirement talks, many were taken aback by his chosen career after the NFL. This story has the full details of CJ’s reveal.
CJ Gardner-Johnson Wants to Chase Full-Time Streaming Career After NFL Heroics
CJ Gardner-Johnson says he plans to retire in four years, eyeing a full-time streaming career after achieving his NFL goals.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) is sacked by Pittsburgh Steelers safety Kyle Dugger (29) during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025.
After a two-year stint in the Florida Gators’ basketball program, CJ, who once played safety for the Gators, joined the NFL in 2019. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the 2019 NFL Draft as their fourth round, 105th overall pick.He enjoyed a three-year run with New Orleans before joining the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022. Since then, he has played for five teams and has had two stints with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Beyond demonstrating a rather turbulent career, CJ’s trajectory also shows the immense value multiple NFL teams place on him. In a league where the average athlete plays for just over 3 years, CJ has played for the past 8 years.
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
Now, CJ’s mind is set on his retirement, which, in his own words, is about four or five years away. The Bears star disclosed his retirement plans during a recent live stream with two other attendees on the show.During the stream, he referenced signing three life-changing deals, including a $30 million deal. Among other things, CJ might be suggesting that a love for the game, rather than the financial rewards it brings, will keep him in the NFL.
Post-retirement, CJ announced he plans to stream full-time. He believes streamers live the “best life” without having to abide by multiplying rules within their professional field. Such liberty, CJ believes, would be ideal for him.
As CJputs it, the nest four to five years in the league involve, “Win the Super Bowl, make some money, and I’m out, I’m tryna be free and stream my life.”
Chances are CJ might return for a third stint with Philadelphia, who is in thorough search for a new safety. Before the new season begins, CJ wouldn’t mind growing his part-time streaming career while giving his fans something to cheer on while football action is on hold.