Philadelphia Eagles fans have had the full C.J. Gardner-Johnson experience. That had him playing at a high level, even bordering on elite at times, en route to a Super Bowl win. They've also seen him struggle on the field and play his way off the team. They've seen him bash the city and its fans. And they've seen him engaged in locker room drama in the midst of his second departure.
So it's not exactly going to surprise anyone from Philly to learn that he's already stirring up drama with the Houston Texans, less than two months after being traded.
Gardner-Johnson called out new teammate John Metchie, demanding his jersey number, in his first press conference in Houston.
Lmao @CGJXXIII wants that 8 off Metch 😂
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) April 22, 2025
“People don’t call me CJ… it either Ceedy or 8. Which Metchie gotta give that up. I’m sorry Metch. I’m sorry.. I love you to death but god..” pic.twitter.com/SrWpbTMqBB
This isn't some big, wild piece of drama. He didn't insult Metchie, he didn't threaten him, and he even said it half-jokingly. But this is not someone who is going to get the benefit of the doubt from many players (or fans for that matter) around the league.
And when you consider the public beef he stirred up with Darius Slay, a highly respected veteran, is it any surprise that he's willing to pull that with a 24-year-old who is still trying to carve out his role in the NFL?
Counting the Eagles twice (for his two stints in Philly), this will be Gardner-Johnson's fifth NFL team in the last five seasons.
Eagles fans won't tell you that he's not good enough to earn a starting spot in any secondary in the NFL. He's proven that, when he's dialed in, he's a Pro Bowl caliber safety whose versatility as a cornerback makes him even more valuable.
But when a player that good can't find a team interested in keeping him for even two consecutive seasons, that tells you all you need to know.