C.J. Gardner-Johnson, known for his versatility and tenacity on the field, has recently shared his surprise over being released by the Houston Texans early last season. In an exclusive interview with The Athletic's Tim Graham, Gardner-Johnson spoke candidly about the events that transpired during training camp that ultimately led to his departure from the team.
A Shocking Release
Gardner-Johnson was acquired by the Texans from the Philadelphia Eagles in March 2025, with high hopes for his contributions to the team's defense. However, his initial optimism quickly turned to disappointment. After starting the first three games of the regular season, Gardner-Johnson found himself unexpectedly released on September 23, just two days after the team’s 17-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Catalyst of Controversy
In his interview, Gardner-Johnson revealed that the situation escalated due to a comment made by an individual “not technically” part of the Texans organization, whom he accused of calling him the
