C.J. Gardner-Johnson Super Bowl Champion responds to recent backlash towards Eagles, issues a specific apology, talks misunderstood reputation, unexpected heartbreak, surprising trade to Houston, call from DeMeco Ryans and future as a Texan.

Jul 15, 2025

C.J. Gardner-Johnson, NFL safety for the Houston Texans and Super Bowl champion, opens up about his challenging journey in football. He addresses recent backlash and misconceptions about his reputation, sharing how his passion is often misinterpreted. C.J. also reflects on the emotional impact of being traded from the Eagles to the Texans, balancing personal struggles with professional growth. With candid insights, he discusses leadership, accountability, and the bittersweet nature of sports, all while emphasizing the importance of family during tough transitions.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

ANECDOTE

CJ Denies Hit Rumor

C.J. Gardner-Johnson denies rumors he put a hit on Malik Nabers, stating no personal or football beef exists. - He reached out to Jameis Winston to safeguard Malik from false accusations involving him.

INSIGHT

Reputation Roots in Team Culture

CJ's "bad reputation" started when drafted by a scrutinized Saints team known for aggressive play. - His passion was misinterpreted due to team culture and expectations placed on rookies.

ANECDOTE

Locker Room Camaraderie

CJ talks about locker room dynamics and how he balances competitiveness with team harmony. - Despite intense passion on the field, he has no personal issues with teammates, evidenced by close bonds like with Reed Blankenship.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

“My son said, so we can’t wear green anymore? And that killed me.” -C.J. Gardner-Johnson

In this humbling and unfiltered episode of The Pivot, Super Bowl Champion C.J. Gardner-Johnson sits down with Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder to open up like never before and sets record straight on many questions and rumors surrounding his name and image. The outspoken safety gets real about the highs and lows of his NFL journey — from being traded and dealing with the label of having a “bad reputation,” to playing a key role in Philadelphia's Super Bowl run and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Off the bat, he addresses a recent rumor involving him and NY Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers and leaves no gray area on his side which leads into a deeper discussion around how C.J. is viewed in the NFL. He talks about what it felt like to be misunderstood in the league, how his passion is often mistaken for arrogance, and how those perceptions have impacted his career. C.J. reflects on his time with the Saints and then Lions and finally feeling at home in Philadelphia after winning a championship this past season only to be faced with his biggest pivot yet.

Dealing with major heartbreak and trying to sort through confusion, C.J. shares how the darkest times have taught him most about leadership, ,maturity, and accountability. Struggling with things out of his control, his voice full of emotion as he shares to Ryan, Fred and Channing how hard it was on his kids to experience the recent ups and downs of his career. Despite the anguish he felt, C.J. expresses his respect and gratitude for veterans like Lane Johnson in Philly and Malcom Jenkins in New Orleans, holding on to invaluable life lessons. With rare vulnerability and honesty, CJ shares a powerful moment of remorse — expressing what he's sorry for and how he's grown from it.

Now entering a new chapter with the Houston Texans, CJ talks about the delayed excitement of joining his new team and building a strong relationship with head coach DeMeco Ryans. He speaks candidly about the trust DeMeco has already shown in him in one unexpected phone call. CJ talks about how he's ready to win and be a part of a young, hungry team with a fierce competitor as the team's leader in Quarterback CJ Stroud.

Looking forward to his fresh start to help him mature further both as a player and as a man, CJ tells Ryan, Channing and Fred he's ready for this next chance to be the one where the noise around who he is on and off the field is finally quieted.

This isn’t just about football — it’s about growth, redemption, and the journey of a man who’s still writing his story. Tap in for a conversation that’s raw, real, and full of heart.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices