CJ Gardner-Johnsonwas one of the Philadelphia Eagles’ squad that won Super Bowl LIX last February. However, the star safety was soon traded by Philadelphia to the Houston Texans during the offseason.
After months of silence, Gardner-Johnson, known for his outspokenness, expressed his candid feelings about the trade last March. The former Florida Gator spoke at a KPRC 2 broadcast on Saturday.
“I feel highly disrespected, but it’s a business,” Gardner-Johnson told radio broadcaster Aaron Wilson. “Never was an All-Pro or Pro Bowl! Never! Led the league in interceptions. What more do you want?”
Moreover, Gardner-Johnson made a bold goal that he would win a second straight Super Bowl with the Texans.
“People say, ‘He’s a hazard, he’s this, he’s that.’ I never been no hazard, bro. They got no real issues on me. That black ball ain’t going to work on me, because I got me a ring. I got me one. I got three more championships in me. I’m probably going to win the next three. I’m going to get me another Super Bowl this year. Just watch.”
C.J. Gardner-Johnson
Feb 14, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (8) celebrates during the Super Bowl LIX championship parade and rally. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-Imagn Images
The Eagles previously traded CJ Gardner-Johnson and a 2026 sixth-round pick for guard Kenyon Martin and a 2025 fifth-round pick. According to GM Howie Rosman, the trade occurred for financial reasons.
With 59 tackles and six seasons in his second stint with Philadelphia, CJ Gardner-Johnson played an important role in helping the team win its second Super Bowl title, becoming a part of the Eagles’ defense that halted the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense for most of the match.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson celebrates after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Gardner-Johnson was also at Philadelphia in 2022, where he advanced to the Super Bowl LVII. He went to the Detroit Lions after, where he only played for three games before returning to Philadelphia last season.
The March trade will be CJGJ’s third team in three years.
CJ Gardner-Johnson claims he’s the missing piece the Texans need
During the broadcast with Aaron Wilson on KPRC 2, CJ Gardner-Johnson also believes that he can help the Houston Texans’ defense next season, helping them win amidst pressure moments like the playoffs.
“I mean, you guys played a lot of good ball here, but I don’t think they understand what it means to win when it matters,” Gardner-Johnson added. “I’m not talking discredit to the team. I’m just saying I’ve been in a lot situations where, from Detroit to New Orleans to Philly, I’ve got to win when it matters and I’ve been in games where I had to step up.”
C.J. Gardner-Johnson
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson celebrates on the field after Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
The Texans, led by young QB CJ Stroud, previously entered the playoffs but lost against the Chiefs at the Wild Card. CJ Gardner-Johnson’s claim is daring, but he could be indeed the missing element Houston’s defense needs.”
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