Texans' C.J. Gardner-Johnson: 'I feel highly disrespected' by Eagles' trade
C.J. Gardner-Johnson was a key playmaker for the Philadelphia Eagles while helping the team win its second-ever Super Bowl.
Despite his strong performance, the Eagles traded him to the Houston Texans during the offseason, marking the fourth consecutive offseason Gardner-Johnson has changed teams.
The 27-year-old admitted he didn't take kindly to the deal and believes he has been slighted throughout his career to date.
"I feel highly disrespected, but it’s a business," Gardner-Johnson told KPRC 2's Aaron Wilson. "Never was an All-Pro or Pro Bowl! Never! Led the league in interceptions. What more do you want?"
Gardner-Johnson believes his lack of recognition stems from his playing style and fiery on-field antics. Those were on display often during the 2024 NFL season, as he was fined six times for a total of $101,298, per Spotrac.com. That included $45,002 in fines from the Eagles' Week 16 loss to the Washington Commanders, a game from which he was ejected after multiple unsportsmanlike conduct penalties.
Still, Gardner-Johnson defended himself and made it clear he doesn't think his reputation is earned.
"People say, 'He’s a hazard, he's this, he’s that.' I never been no hazard, bro," Gardner-Johnson said. "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."
While that Super Bowl 59 ring is Gardner-Johnson's greatest NFL accolade to date, it didn't satiate him. Instead, it's fueling him as he joins the Texans, and he believes he can help take DeMeco Ryans' defense to the next level.
"I got three more championships in me," Gardner-Johnson said. "I’m probably going to win the next three. I’m going to get me another Super Bowl this year. Just watch."