When questioned about C.J. Gardner-Johnson prior to Sunday’s NFC Championship game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Detroit Lions, Deebo Samuel had only one thing to say. In Sunday’s game, Gardner-Johnson did indeed “strap it up,” shocking Samuel and earning a 15-yard penalty for a personal foul, something Lions coach Dan Campbell expressed he didn’t want to see.
Campbell told reporters earlier in the week, “Yeah, no plaque, no personal fouls and that’s all you’ve got to say.” “He is competent. He is adept at walking the line without stepping over it.
Early in the game, the Lions led 20-7 despite the penalty, and Gardner-Johnson could be seen on the Fox broadcast waving farewell to the 49ers and their supporters. But in the end, Samuel and the 49ers emerged victorious, defeating Detroit 34–31 to head to Super Bowl LIII and take on the Kansas City Chiefs.
When Gardner-Johnson questioned Samuel about the personal foul after the game, Samuel responded with yet another terse reaction. You have to be me when I’m looking, aye dude. Samuel remarked, “That’s the only way you’re going to get me.”
Around Week 6, a video of a fight between the 49ers and the Cleveland Browns went viral, sparking backlash between the two. A number of players, including Trent Williams, Juan Thornhill, Brandon Aiyuk, and Samuel, were observed engaging in physical altercations with one another.
After seeing the video on social media, Gardner-Johnson attacked Samuel, accusing him of engaging in “typical WR behavior” and even going so far as to question his toughness. In response, Samuel shared a 2020 video showing former wide receiver Javon Mims of the Chicago Bears repeatedly hitting Gardner-Johnson while he was a member of the New Orleans Saints.
Boy, please stop playing before this is rewinded.
Sit down, boy,” Samuel commanded.Gardner-Johnson, who is well-known for never back downing in a verbal altercation, responded to Samuel by stating, “Trent can’t save you when u see me. AS WELL AS OFF THE FIELD! Continue.
For Gardner-Johnson, it didn’t end there. The Lions safety, who was sidelined at the time due to a torn pectoral, continued to insult Samuel on Instagram Live after their Twitter exchange. In a live Instagram video, Gardner-Johnson stated, “Don’t be friendly when you see me.” “since I can watch over you.” You’re a running back; you can’t run routes.
The most of the week, it was uncertain if Samuel would participate in the game on Sunday. Coach Kyle Shanahan of the 49ers remained silent about the specifics of the injury, only saying that his star wide receiver was hurt. The 49ers said on Friday that he will be available for the NFC championship game without any restrictions.
Samuel had eight receptions for 89 yards by the end of the Sunday’s game.
