It was only a matter of time. CJ Gardner-Johnson came in with a reputation for trash talk. People had seen it develop into a lethal weapon during his time with the New Orleans Saints and persist through his stops with other teams, such as Detroit and Philadelphia. One had to imagine he was looking forward to Friday's game against the Eagles. After all, he'd grabbed six interceptions for them last year, helping secure a Super Bowl title. They then turned around and traded him to Houston in the offseason.
You can imagine he wasn't happy about that. Normally, you should be rewarded for outstanding play. It's almost like he was punished. Needless to say, Gardner-Johnson was eager to get a shot at his former team. He played well, notching three tackles and a QB hit while the defense allowed just 15 points. When the Bears secured their 24-15 upset, the defensive back couldn't hold it any longer. He started talking. It started on the walk back to the locker room.
Video shows him declaring to cameras that he said before the game he knew the Eagles would fold.
Gardner-Johnson wasn't done.
Jaylon Johnson was speaking to former players Emmanuel Acho and LeSean McCoy on their Speakeasy show. The cornerback then put Gardner-Johnson on screen. McCoy immediately said he'd told everybody the Eagles never should've traded him. Then the former running back asked if Philadelphia's was easy to predict. The response said it all.
CJ Gardner-Johnson got the last laugh.
The Eagles thought they were getting rid of a nuisance. In truth, they were unloading one of their most vocal defensive leaders. CJ Gardner-Johnson might be a pest at times, but nobody can deny his passion for the game and desire to win. It's probably not a coincidence that every team he's played for has been successful. Philadelphia assumed they could trade him and have no issue replacing his production. They didn't stop to think that they were losing more than that.
Gardner-Johnson was one of the few players on that defense who was willing to openly challenge teammates, pushing them to be better. He brought a swagger and confidence that was infectious. You don't replace that easily. Philadelphia went to the Super Bowl in 2022 with him. After letting him walk in 2023, they stumbled to a first round playoff exit. Last year, they brought him back and won the Super Bowl. Now, after ditching him again, they're showing signs of crumbling.
Meanwhile, the Bears are undefeated since he joined the team.
