Former Detroit Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson didn’t hold back when discussing his experience with the team during a media session ahead of Super Bowl LIX.
In an interview with Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Gardner-Johnson was candid about the struggles he faced in Detroit. He described his lone season there as “hell”, citing frustrations with unfulfilled promises made by the Lions’ front office. Despite being a vital part of the 2024 defense, he revealed that the team initially indicated he would be re-signed—only for that not to happen.
A Frustrating Situation
Gardner-Johnson felt misled by the organization, stating he was assured a return but ultimately left without an extension. “I was told, respectfully, that I would be brought back, and that didn’t happen,” he explained to Birkett. Realizing his future in Detroit was uncertain, he made the choice to leave and continue his rehabilitation in Florida.
By the middle of the season, he had already come to terms with the fact that the Lions were unlikely to offer him a new contract. “I was only on a one-year deal, so unless they made a serious effort to keep me, there was no point in staying,” he shared.
Lack of Respect
Gardner-Johnson believes that even if he had remained in Detroit for rehab, it wouldn’t have changed the outcome. “The level of respect just wasn’t there,” he remarked. “I’m one of the most successful safeties in the league. People can focus on the hype, but I care about the facts.”
He also addressed his benching in favor of Ifeatu Melifonwu, noting that he found the decision questionable. “I lost my spot to Iffy because he had a strong stretch, but oddly enough, he didn’t even end up starting this year,” he said with a chuckle. “Look at where they are now, and look at where I am.”
Now a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, Gardner-Johnson has moved on from his brief tenure with the Lions. However, it’s evident that his time in Detroit left him feeling undervalued. With his focus now on winning the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs, he appears determined to let his performance speak for itself.
