What did C.J. Gardner-Johnson say about Eagles fans? Why DB apologized after returning to Philadelphia in free agency

Dan Treacy

What did C.J. Gardner-Johnson say about Eagles fans? Why DB apologized after returning to Philadelphia in free agency image

Some players let their performance on the field speak for itself. C.J. Gardner-Johnson is not one of those players.

The Eagles safety is plenty talented, but he often combines his production on the field with plenty of trash talk — both on and off of it. One comment he made in 2023 particularly stands out now that Gardner-Johnson is back in an Eagles uniform.

Ultimately, Gardner-Johnson only played three regular season games before returning to Philadelphia. He missed most of 2023 with the Lions due to a pectoral tear, though he was able to return during the playoff run that left Detroit one win shy of the Super Bowl.

Even with Gardner-Johnson back in Philadelphia, Eagles fans might not have such an easy time forgetting what the defensive back said just a year ago.

Here's a look at what Gardner-Johnson said and why he returned to the Eagles anyway.

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What did C.J. Gardner-Johnson say?

After signing with the Lions following a successful stint in Philadelphia, Gardner-Johnson ripped Eagles fans during a Twitch stream.

"My least favorite thing is the people," Gardner-Johnson said of Philadelphia fans. "They're f—ing obnoxious. I f— can't stand the f—ers."

Gardner-Johnson was directly asked for his least favorite part of his time with the Eagles, so it wasn't necessarily an unprovoked comment, but it was one that undoubtedly stung at least a few fans.

Eagles fans aren't the only ones to be the target of Gardner-Johnson's ire — just ask Deebo Samuel — but those were harsh words toward a fan base that collectively has a great memory. 

Fortunately for Gardner-Johnson, there is one thing Eagles fans care about above all else: winning. If the team is winning games and Gardner-Johnson is contributing to that, it's unlikely many fans will actually care about what he said in 2023. If nothing else, some Philadelphia fans might take "obnoxious" as a complement. 

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Why did C.J. Gardner-Johnson return to the Eagles?

Gardner-Johnson said in his re-introductory press conference that he "started something" with the Eagles and wants to finish it.

“Started something here, started a legacy here, and I want to finish it here, so why not hop back on the train and get back to work?" Gardner-Johnson said, adding that returning was "a relief" because of his familiarity with the organization.

"Getting hurt and taking a step back and not being the focal point made me realize I want to be a part of something greater and better than where I’m at," the safety continued.

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Gardner-Johnson did address the comments he made about Eagles fans, apologizing and claiming he was just upset because he wanted to return to the team in free agency before ultimately agreeing to a deal with the Lions.

He said before Friday's opener against the Packers that he wants "to give the fans a nice show" in his first game back with the team.

Regardless of the real story, the Eagles are excited to have Gardner-Johnson back in their secondary after the team's pass defense cratered late in 2023. For Gardner-Johnson, the goal is winning a championship after deep playoff runs with both Philadelphia and Detroit.

Dan Treacy

Dan Treacy Photo

Dan Treacy is a content producer for Sporting News, joining in 2022 after graduating from Boston University. He founded @allsportsnews on Instagram in 2012 and has written for Lineups and Yardbarker.