C. J. Gardner-Johnson played as a safety for the Chicago Bears in 2025, who had a good season by their standards. They topped the NFC North division with an 11-6 record and won the Wild Card Round against their rivals the Green Bay Packers.
They ultimately lost in the Divisional Round against the Los Angeles Rams, and are now preparing for the next season. In the offseason, Gardner-Johnson has given a glimpse into his spending habits.
C. J. Gardner-Johnson’s expensive car collection
Gardner-Johnson is now an unrestricted free agent after his one-year contract with the Chicago Bears expired this offseason. He had joined them mid-season from the Houston Texans, playing 3 games there. Altogether, he had 66 total tackles, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble and 2 interceptions across 13 games for both teams in the last season.
Dec 20, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears safety C. J. Gardner-Johnson (35) reacts against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
Dec 20, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears safety C. J. Gardner-Johnson (35) reacts against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
While his future is uncertain, he seems to have no problems as he showed off his extravagant car collection. A viral video shows him opening his garage, where a sleek black Maybach, a Dodge Challenger Hellcat muscle car, a Hyundai IONIQ 6 all-electric sedan, and other premium rides are present. His collection is said to be worth over $1 million.
The 28-year-old has earned close to $31 million in his career without taxes accounted for. He earned this in his 7-year career with teams such as the New Orleans Saints, the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, the Texans, and the Bears. He earned $1.17 million in the last season with the Bears. He has hinted at retirement soon, which means his earnings could be halted in the future.
Many fans were stunned to know the safety was spending so much on lavish cars while not earning much according to NFL standards. Many thought he was being frivolous and that it will haunt him in the future.
Fans sound alarm on C. J. Gardner-Johnson’s lavish car collection
A lot of NFL fans voiced their opinion that the player should not be spending that much on cars.
One user said, “Less than 30yrs old, a few million dollars blown on extravagant cars, and likely near zero cash savings .. Not a great picture of financial stability .. likely just an athlete on the expressway towards bankruptcy .. Such a waste of potential generational wealth”.
A second user wrote, “He’s like most Americans, living paycheck to paycheck”.
A third user remarked, “He’s be broke by the time he retires”.
Another added, “He’s obviously quite frivolous with his money .. spending $1m on cars is the pinnacle of dumb, unless your net worth is well over $100m.”
A fifth replied, “I’m just disappointed he didn’t buy any cool cars. Those are just obnoxious.”
A sixth user commented, “Like Odell said. It’s not enough money!!!” which is a refence to Odell Beckham Jr.
C. J. Gardner-Johnson will have to choose his next franchise soon enough, before the start of the 2026 NFL season.