C.J. Gardner-Johnson was on cloud nine after winning the Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles, but his world turned upside down when he got the news about being traded to the Houston Texans. He was a crucial player in the Eagles’ defense last season, so the trade on March 11, swapping him for guard Kenyon Green and some late-round draft picks, came as a shocker. “To be honest with you, I’m still shocked, but I’m happy,” Gardner-Johnson shared on Tuesday, according to NFL.com.
Gardner-Johnson is embracing the change, looking forward to the fresh start and new teammates. He mentioned that the Texans have a young team, and as one of the more experienced players, he knows he needs to balance business and fun while focusing on winning games. “New, fresh start, meet new guys. I think the biggest thing I’ve noticed is this team is very young,” he noted, highlighting the unique dynamics in Houston.
Last season, Gardner-Johnson made a significant impact with six interceptions during his second stint with the Eagles. He originally played with them in 2022 and came back in 2024 on a three-year contract. As the starting safety, he played a key role in the Eagles’ 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX.
Despite the sudden trade, Gardner-Johnson sees the move as an opportunity for growth. “I think it was a great move for me. I think it allowed me not to get too comfortable,” he explained. He was settled in Philadelphia, with resources and connections at his fingertips, but now he feels the need to mature and guide younger players on the Texans.
Gardner-Johnson acknowledges that being traded multiple times might overshadow his achievements in the league, but his love for football remains strong. His transition to the Texans is more than just a career move; it’s a chance to evolve personally and professionally. “Being traded multiple times, I think people would shadow it by the things I’ve done in the league. But in reality, I just love playing football,” he expressed.
The Eagles’ decision to trade Gardner-Johnson was largely driven by financial considerations. General Manager Howie Roseman explained that every dollar counts when it comes to retaining younger players they wish to keep. “Every dollar that you spend is a dollar less that you can spend on some of these younger players that maybe you want to retain,” Roseman stated, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia.
Roseman also emphasized the importance of making tough decisions, even if they aren’t popular. He acknowledged that not everyone will agree with the trade, but it’s part of the team’s strategy to maintain a competitive roster. “Getting out in front of it was important to us. And again, hard decisions. Not asking anyone to agree with them, but that’s part of our job,” he added.
Gardner-Johnson is now focused on his role with the Texans, where he’ll be a veteran presence in a young locker room. His experience and leadership will be vital as the team works towards building a winning season. While the trade was unexpected, it offers him a chance to contribute in new ways and help shape the future of the Texans.
As the NFL season progresses, fans will be watching closely to see how Gardner-Johnson adapts to his new team. His journey from Philadelphia to Houston is a testament to the unpredictable nature of professional sports and the resilience required to thrive in the league. With his skills and determination, Gardner-Johnson is poised to make his mark with the Texans.
