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NFL Star CJ Gardner-Johnson Voices Displeasure Following Trade to Texans
Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl champion CJ Gardner-Johnson has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with his former team after being traded to the Houston Texans. The defensive back, a key player for the Eagles during their Super Bowl LIX victory, suggested he witnessed the “true colors” of some within the franchise following the transaction.
Trade Details and Gardner-Johnson’s Reaction
On March 11, the Eagles traded Gardner-Johnson and a 2026 sixth-round draft pick to the Texans. In return, Philadelphia acquired guard Kenyon Green and a 2026 fifth-round selection. Approximately one month after the move, Gardner-Johnson utilized his Instagram story to convey his sentiments regarding the trade and how certain individuals reacted to it.
“True Colors” Revealed
“People showed me their true colors when I got traded, s***,” Gardner-Johnson stated in a video message. “That’s why you ain’t heard or seen from me.” This statement implies that the player felt let down or betrayed by some individuals within the Eagles organization after the trade was finalized.
Past Appreciation for Philadelphia
Despite his recent comments, Gardner-Johnson had previously shared a ‘thank you’ message to the Eagles and their fanbase shortly after the trade was announced. In that earlier message, he described Philadelphia as having “been a home” to him and acknowledged the accomplishments achieved together.
“This decision wasn’t mine, but I walk away proud of what we built together,” he stated in his earlier farewell.
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CJ Gardner-Johnson indicated he observed people’s ‘true colors’ after being traded to the Houston Texans.
Gardner-Johnson previously directed taunts towards Travis Kelce after the Eagles defeated the Chiefs in the Super Bowl.
He also mocked Taylor Swift and her fanbase during the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory parade.
Super Bowl Season and Previous Controversies
During the regular season, Gardner-Johnson was statistically impressive, securing six interceptions. He further contributed in Super Bowl LIX with three tackles as the Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22. However, Gardner-Johnson also generated controversy after the Super Bowl victory. He gained notoriety for taunting Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce and Kelce’s girlfriend, pop star Taylor Swift.
The day after the Super Bowl, Gardner-Johnson posted a photo online showing him mocking Kelce during the game. The caption, “Should’ve Stayed with that thick s****”, was widely interpreted as a reference to Kelce’s former partner, Kayla Nicole.
Continuing his provocative behavior, Gardner-Johnson wore a hoodie with explicit and insulting language directed at Swift and her fans during the Eagles’ Super Bowl parade.
Gardner-Johnson was a starting player on the Eagles team that reached and won the Super Bowl against the Chiefs.
The hoodie displayed the phrase: “Swifties can LIX my balls” in green lettering, further escalating the controversy.
Contract and Eagles’ Defensive Changes
Gardner-Johnson, at 27 years old, is slated to earn $8.5 million this season, carrying a $9 million salary cap hit, now assumed by the Houston Texans, according to Spotrac data.
The Eagles’ decision to trade Gardner-Johnson was part of a broader restructuring of their defense. Philadelphia also released veteran defensive back Darius Slay and allowed defensive ends Milton Williams and Josh Sweat to depart in free agency. Williams and Sweat subsequently signed lucrative contracts with the New England Patriots and Arizona Cardinals, respectively.