C.J. Gardner-Johnson Feels 'Highly Disrespected,' Says Eagles Trade Wasn't About Money

Houston Texans safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson says he feels “highly disrespected” across the NFL as he discussed his offseason trade from the Philadelphia Eagles.

“I feel highly disrespected, but it’s a business,” Gardner-Johnson told KPRC 2 on Saturday. “Never was an All-Pro or Pro Bowl! Never! Led the league in interceptions. What more do you want?”

After a strong season with the Eagles that resulted in a Super Bowl LIX win—along with six interceptions, one pick-six and 12 passes defended—Gardner-Johnson expressed frustration with how his departure unfolded.

Gardner-Johnson also made it clear that he didn't think the trade was about money, per Wilson:

The Texans acquired Gardner-Johnson on March 12, along with a 2026 sixth-round pick, in exchange for offensive lineman Kenyon Green and a 2026 fifth-rounder.

The former fourth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft spent his first three seasons with the New Orleans Saints before one year in Philadelphia, where he led the NFL with six interceptions in 2022. He then played for the Detroit Lions in 2023 and returned to Philadelphia last season.

The former Florida Gator believes that the league has unfairly labeled him as a "hazard."

“People say, ‘He’s a hazard, he’s this, he’s that.’ I never been no hazard, bro,” Gardner-Johnson continued. “They got no real issues on me. That black ball ain’t going to work on me, because I got me a ring. I got me one. I got three more championships in me. I’m probably going to win the next three. I’m going to get me another Super Bowl this year. Just watch.”

Through six NFL seasons, the 27-year-old has received 13 fines totaling nearly $195,000.

Despite past tension with the Eagles, Gardner-Johnson said he is embracing his future in Houston.

“I think that’s why I’m here. I’m proud to be a Texan,” he said. “I want to make coach Ryans proud. Coming together and trying to win one together, it would be kind of amazing.”