The Detroit Lions made significant changes to their secondary ahead of the 2023 season, adding high-profile players through free agency, including safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
However, the plan did not unfold as hoped.
Gardner-Johnson missed most of the season due to an injury and later committed a critical penalty during the NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers.
After the season, he returned to his former team, the Philadelphia Eagles, where controversy has followed him.
The 27-year-old was ejected during Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders, a moment that drew criticism and prompted Gardner-Johnson to respond. His ejection was a pivotal point in a game that ended in a loss for the Eagles.
Entering the day tied for first in the conference, the Eagles saw both the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings surpass them in the standings after the Commanders secured a last-second touchdown victory.
Gardner-Johnson was penalized twice for unsportsmanlike conduct during the game, with the second penalty coming in the third quarter with 11:24 remaining.
The play in question involved Commanders receiver Dyami Brown pushing Gardner-Johnson in the helmet. However, the officials flagged Gardner-Johnson, resulting in his ejection.
Following the game, Gardner-Johnson voiced his frustration on social media.
On X, he wrote, “Respectfully got kicked out for nothing, I play with passion and fire!! Guys was chirping all day what u expect!!”
The ejection sparked debate, especially given the context of Brown’s actions.
SI.com’s Ed Kracz criticized the officiating, calling the decision biased. “Referee Shawn Smith should be scrutinized for this call,” Kracz stated.
“Gardner-Johnson had his helmet knocked off by a punch under the chin from Dyami Brown, yet he was the one penalized and ejected.”
Eagles safety Reid Blankenship defended Gardner-Johnson after the game, saying his teammate did not cross the line.
“I was right there,” Blankenship said, via USA Today. “When emotions run high, things happen. But I stand with my teammate.”
Gardner-Johnson’s time with the Lions in 2023 was limited.
He played only three games, recording 17 tackles and three pass breakups before suffering a torn pectoral muscle.
He returned in time for the playoffs, contributing 12 tackles and an interception across three games.
However, he faced challenges in coverage and was flagged for a blindside hit during the NFC Championship game.
The Lions, meanwhile, have continued to revamp their secondary, which had been a weakness in recent seasons.
They retained veteran cornerback Emmanuel Moseley, another notable 2023 acquisition, and used their top two draft picks to select cornerbacks, signaling their commitment to improving the unit.
While Gardner-Johnson’s passion and aggressive playstyle have been evident throughout his career, the incidents have raised questions about his ability to maintain composure during critical moments.
