A former Detroit Lions player, once one of the most “despised” figures, has been traded from his recent team to another new destination.
It’s often said you can’t expect everyone to like you, and that’s a reality in the NFL. Players frequently change teams, meaning a fan favorite one year can quickly become an enemy the next.
This is true for one former Detroit Lions player who was beloved during his time in Detroit but became the complete opposite after his departure.
Gardner-Johnson was well-liked in Detroit during the 2023 season, known for his bold personality. However, after leaving, that perception changed, with NFL expert Joseph Grassano of Detroit Jock City explaining in a March 11 piece, “That same fiery attitude that rallies fans of the team Gardner-Johnson is on is the reason the rest of the league dislikes him. So, it’s no surprise that as soon as he left Detroit, the 27-year-old quickly turned Lions fans against him.”
According to the Detroit Free Press, after Gardner-Johnson left, he posted on social media in a way that didn’t sit well with Lions fans either.
With Gardner-Johnson, it’s about tolerating the drama for the payoff, as his performance still makes it worth it. In the 2024 season, he registered 59 tackles, 12 passes defended, six interceptions, and one forced fumble, earning an 82.6 coverage grade from PFF. Additionally, he won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles, adding to his resume.
However, the Texans should be cautious, as Grassano points out, “Even so, Texans fans should be careful about supporting Gardner-Johnson. He clearly showed animosity toward Lions fans after leaving, despite their support during his time in Detroit.” Grassano refers to Gardner-Johnson as a “despised” and “hated” former Lions player.
Grassano further mentions that with Gardner-Johnson now in the AFC, it’s even less likely he will face the Lions soon. However, a Texans-Lions Super Bowl would create an exciting scenario for plenty of trash talk.
On Monday, March 10, the Lions made a move to secure cornerback D.J. Reed. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Reed will sign a three-year, $48 million deal with $32 million guaranteed. This move will be a shift for Reed, who has mostly been a No. 2 cornerback during his NFL career with Seattle, New York, and San Francisco, but now will be a starter with the Lions.
The team clearly sees his potential, and general manager Brad Holmes is known for making smart decisions, so it’ll be interesting to watch how it develops.
“One of the top corners on the market lands a lucrative deal in Detroit,” Schultz stated on X.
Additionally, on Friday, March 7, the Lions signed linebacker Derrick Barnes to a three-year, $25.5 million contract extension. Following that, they re-signed veteran linebacker Anthony Pittman to a one-year deal, as well as linebacker Ezekiel Turner.
