Just weeks after helping the Philadelphia Eagles capture a Super Bowl title, C.J. Gardner-Johnson found himself in an unexpected place packing his bags for Houston.
Now a member of the Houston Texans, the veteran defensive back is still coming to terms with the surprising trade that sent him from the reigning champions to a new locker room.
“To be honest with you, I’m still shocked, but I’m happy,” Gardner-Johnson said Tuesday during offseason workouts. “It’s a new, fresh start. I get to meet new guys, and I’ve noticed right away this team is very young. Being one of the older guys now, I realize I’m here for business. We’re here to win football games.”
It’s been a whirlwind career already for the 27-year-old. Drafted in the fourth round by the Saints in 2019, Gardner-Johnson has now played for four different teams in six seasons. He made an instant impact wherever he’s gone, leading the NFL in interceptions in 2022 and starting 16 games last year in a dominant Eagles defense.
But despite another standout season, Philadelphia traded him this March, citing financial factors. Gardner-Johnson isn’t dwelling on the why.
“I think it was a great move for me,” he said. “It kept me from getting too comfortable. I had everything I needed in Philly. Coming here, I’ve had to grow up. That might sound funny, but being the older guy now, I have to teach these younger players that it’s more than just football.”
Houston is coming off back-to-back playoff runs and boasts a rising defense with young talent like Derek Stingley Jr. and rookie Kamari Lassiter. Gardner-Johnson sees himself stepping into a mentor role on and off the field.
“People might judge me by the trades, but I just love playing football,” he added. “And I’m here to pass that love, that hunger, on to this team.”
While adjusting to a new scheme and surroundings, Gardner-Johnson says he’s focused on staying mentally locked in and letting go of what he can’t control.
“Emotionally, I’m cool.” he said. “It’s a business. But I know my teammates are depending on me. I’ve got to stay grounded, stay where my feet are, and do what I need to do.”
One thing he’s already instilling in his teammates is a ‘next-play mentality’, a mindset he says has kept him successful in a league that doesn’t allow room for hesitation.
“You’re going to get beat. You’re going to give up plays,” he said. “But that’s what I try to teach, move on. What matters is the next play. You’ve got to care about the smallest things. If you don’t, why are you in the league?”
Now in the AFC for the first time, Gardner-Johnson’s aim is clear: move past the surprise of leaving a Super Bowl team, and help the Texans make an even deeper playoff push in 2025.
