By Adeniyi Precious 
One former Detroit Lions player, once beloved in Detroit but now considered “despised” by fans, has found himself with yet another new team.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson, the former Lions safety who was a fan favorite during the 2023 season, was recently traded from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Houston Texans. The Eagles, in exchange, received left guard Kenyon Green.
Gardner-Johnson, known for his fiery personality and strong performances on the field, became a controversial figure after he left Detroit. Fans who once supported him turned against him, especially after some of his social media posts didn’t sit well with Lions supporters. Despite his on-field success—he racked up 59 tackles, six interceptions, and a Super Bowl win with the Eagles in 2024—he’s clearly left a sour taste in the mouths of Detroit fans.
Now with the Texans, Gardner-Johnson is part of a team in a new division, and while fans in Houston may initially embrace him, they should know that his fiery attitude might spark some drama. One thing’s for sure—if the Texans and Lions ever meet in a Super Bowl, expect plenty of trash talk to follow!