Over offseason after their Super Bowl LIX win, the Philadelphia Eagles shocked the NFL world with the trade of a key safety that helped hold off the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Eagles traded C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans in exchange for former first-round pick Kenyon Green and a 2026 fifth-round selection, even after Gardner-Johnson posted six interceptions last season.
Months after the trade, Gardner-Johnson has talked about the trade and even took to social media recently to seemingly respond to comments made by defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
At a workout and interview with Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2, Gardner-Johnson talked about being "disrespected" by the offseason buzz.
"I feel highly disrespected, but it’s a business,” Gardner-Johnson said. “Never was an All-Pro or Pro Bowl! Never! Led the league in interceptions. What more do you want?
“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.”
Gardner-Johnson, 27, has set his sights on Super Bowl LX with the Texans. Houston is a franchise with a talented roster, especially its stacked defense, but they've never reached the AFC title game before with six losses in the divisional round of the playoffs.
Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson before Super Bowl LIX.
Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson before Super Bowl LIX.
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Regardless, Gardner-Johnson is eager to join head coach DeMeco Ryans' squad and make an immediate impact.
"I can’t speak for everybody, but I know that we’re gonna get in there and be at the top at the end of the year and have a chance to compete for a championship," Gardner-Johnson said.
“I think that’s why I’m here. I’m proud to be a Texan. I want to make coach Ryans proud. Coming together and trying to win one together, it would be kind of amazing.”