C.J. Gardner-Johnson Blasts Detroit Lions, Calls His Season “Hell”
C.J. Gardner-Johnson didn’t mince words about his time with the Detroit Lions. Reflecting on his lone season in Detroit, the safety called it “hell” and accused the organization of misleading him about his future.
Speaking with the *Detroit Free Press*, Gardner-Johnson said, “I got lied to, so it was, whatever. I got told, respectfully, I was going to get brought back and didn’t get brought back.” After joining the Lions on a one-year deal in 2023, Gardner-Johnson’s season was marred by injury, as he tore a pectoral muscle in Week 2. While he returned in Week 18 and played through the playoffs, his overall experience with the team left much to be desired.
Gardner-Johnson openly expressed his frustration, admitting he didn’t even want to rehab in Detroit, choosing instead to recover in Florida. Despite his personal success in the season, including his return from injury, the defensive back made it clear he was relieved to leave the Lions behind.
“My season in Detroit was successful individually, but I didn’t enjoy the experience,” Gardner-Johnson said. Now back in Philadelphia, he appears much happier to be with the Eagles, after what he described as a difficult year in Detroit.
Hell in Detroit’ – C.J. Gardner-Johnson Sounds Off on Lions Season
