CJ Gardner-Johnson blasts people for exposing their "true colors" following his surprising trade to Texans

Modified Apr 08, 2025 15:48 GMT

Super Bowl LIX: Kansas City Chiefs v Philadelphia Eagles - Source: Getty — CJ Gardner Johnson blasted those criticized him after he was traded by the Eagles. - Source: Getty

Just weeks after winning Super Bowl LIX, CJ Gardner-Johnson was traded by the Philadelphia Eagles to the Houston Texans. The safety and a 2026 sixth-round draft pick were traded to the Texans in exchange for guard Kenyon Green and a fifth-round pick in 2025.

Three weeks after being traded, Gardner-Johnson spoke out for the first time through a post on Instagram. The 27-year-old said he was quiet on social media because of how he was treated after he was traded.

“People showed me their true colors when I got traded. That’s why you ain’t heard or seen from me,“ Gardner-Johnson said in the video posted on Instagram.

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Ahead of the 2024 NFL season, Gardner-Johnson signed a three-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles worth $27 million.

CJ Gardner-Johnson credited Eagles fan base for support after viral video

CJ Gardner-Johnson's Instagram video circulated Monday morning. Some questioned whom the safety was referring to when he said he was treated poorly when he was traded. On Monday evening, in a post on X, he clarified it wasn't the Philadelphia Eagles fan base and that he still has admiration for them.

"My fans always been solid! Love Philly nation 4L!" Gardner-Johnson wrote.

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During a Madden stream after being traded, Gardner-Johnson said he knew that his contract would be an issue moving forward. He said he was aware that the Eagles would have to base their decisions on financial moves this offseason.

His rant about people showing their true colors is focused on how he was treated after he was traded. Perhaps it was by the Eagles' front office, coaching staff or even now-former teammates.

CJ Gardner-Johnson doesn't hold back when he feels the urge to express himself. However, it appears that he has kept quiet about who he has a problem with since leaving the Eagles.

Before signing with the Eagles in 2024, the safety played with the Detroit Lions in 2023. He previously played one season with the Eagles in 2022 after two seasons with the New Orleans Saints. He will now embark on a new chapter with the Houston Texans.

About the author

Bethany Cohen is an NFL writer at Sportskeeda, with a rich prior 15-year experience in the sports writing industry, primarily covering the MLB and MiLB. She majored in Communications from the University of South Florida and has previously worked for top companies such as Examiner.com and Legends on Deck.

Bethany owes her NFL allegiance to the Pittsburgh Steelers owing to their long-standing tradition and competitiveness. She is a fan of old stalwarts such as Terry Bradshaw and Franco Harris and would love to watch them in the 1970s if she manages to get her hand on a time machine. She also acknowledges the greatness of modern icons like T.J. Watt for his desire to continuously improve despite being on top. She admires coaches Mike Tomlin and Andy Reid for their longevity and success.

The ace reporter credits her knowledge and love for the sport to be her biggest reporting strengths. Prior fact-checking is a big component of her process and she always scours through additional sources to ensure complete accuracy in her content.

Super Bowl XLIII, when the Steelers won the the grand prize after Santonio Holmes’ epic catch in the end zone with just seconds left on the clock is etched in Bethany’s memory forever. When she is free of her professional commitments, she likes to attend sports events and music concerts.

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Edited by Krutik Jain