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The joy of winning the Super Bowl was hardly worn off when CJ Gardner-Johnson learned about his trade to Houston Texans. Even now, former Philadelphia Eagles Defensive Star is still shocked by the sudden decision.
Gardner-Johnson was a key component of Eagles’ top -ranked defense Last season, but on March 11, he was traded in the Texans in exchange for Guard Kenyon Green and a swap of late round draft.
Philadelphia Eagles Safety CJ Gardner-Johnson Practice before Super Bowl Lix Against Kansas City Chiefs in New Orleans, February 9, 2025. (Kirby Lee-Preferred Pictures)
“To be honest with you, I’m still shocked but I’m happy,” Gardner-Johnson said of trade on Tuesday, via nfl.com
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“New, fresh start, meeting new guys. I think the biggest thing I’ve noticed is that this team is very young. So being one of the oldest guys in the room, you have to realize that we’re here for business, here to have fun, but we’re here too to win football.
Gardner-Johnson recorded six interceptions in his second stint with Eagles. He played earlier in Philadelphia in 2022 before returning in 2024 on a three-year deal. He became the team’s start security and recorded three tackles in the Eagles ’40 -22 victory over Kansas City Chiefs In the Super Bowl Lix.
Philadelphia Eagles Safety CJ Gardner-Johnson celebrates after winning the Super Bowl Lix at Caesar’s Superdome on February 9, 2025. (GEOFF BURKE-FORIVED PICTURES)
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Despite his surprise, Gardner-Johnson said the latest step in his NFL career was in his favor.
“I think it was a good move for me. I think it made it possible for me not to get too comfortable,” he said.
“People have to understand that I was comfortable where I was on. It was easy. When I say easy, it was that I had resources that I could easily access, people I could just talk to. I think I’m moving hit, being the older guy, I actually have to grow up. It’s a funny statement, but growing up and teaching guys, it’s more than just football.
Atlanta Falcon’s wide receiver Darnell Mooney runs for a touchdown past Eagles Safety CJ Gardner-Johnson at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, September 16, 2024. (Bill Streicher-Preferred Pictures)
For Eagles, the decision to move on from Gardner-Johnson seemed to be strictly financial.
“Every dollar you spend is a dollar less that you can spend on some of these younger players that you might want to keep,” said General Manager Howie Roseman last month at the NFL’s annual league meeting, via NBC Sports Philadelphia. “Getting out in front of it was important to us. And again, tough decisions. Not asking anyone to agree with them, but it’s part of our job.”
