C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s Explosive Comments on His Time with the Detroit Lions

A Super Bowl Run While Reflecting on the Past

As the Philadelphia Eagles gear up to face the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59, defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson has made headlines—not just for his on-field performance, but for his candid remarks about his former team, the Detroit Lions. The Lions, who were eliminated in the NFC Divisional Round by the Washington Commanders, are now dealing with an ex-player who isn’t holding back.

A Brutal Assessment of His Time in Detroit

Gardner-Johnson, known for his outspoken nature, didn’t mince words when discussing his experience with the Lions. In a recent interview with The Detroit Free Press, he described his time in Detroit as “hell.”

“It was hell,” Gardner-Johnson stated bluntly. “I got lied to. I was told, respectfully, that I was going to be brought back, and then I wasn’t. The offseason got real for me after that, but everything worked out.”

These strong words highlight his frustration with the team’s management, particularly regarding contract negotiations and the way his future was handled.

A Season to Forget

Gardner-Johnson’s lone season with the Lions was marred by injury. In just the second week of the season, he suffered a torn pectoral muscle, forcing him to miss a significant portion of the year. The injury, however, wasn’t the only reason he looks back on his Detroit tenure with bitterness.

“I got back on the field, I got to play ball,” he said, now preparing for the biggest game of the year. “But truthfully, in Detroit, it was hell. When I got hurt, I just said, ‘(Expletive) it.’ That’s why I didn’t even rehab there.”

Instead of staying in Detroit, Gardner-Johnson opted to complete his rehabilitation in Florida—another indication that he never saw a long-term future with the Lions.

No Loyalty in a One-Year Deal

The former Lions star also pointed to his contract situation as a source of frustration. After failing to secure a long-term deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, he signed a one-year contract with Detroit. However, as the season progressed, it became clear to him that an extension was not in the team’s plans.

“I was on a one-year deal, so unless they were really bringing me back, there was no point,” he explained. “By midseason, when I was getting healthy, they weren’t trying to extend me, so I was like, ‘I’m cool.’”

This apparent lack of commitment from the Lions only added to his discontent, making it clear that the situation was never ideal for him.

Clashing with Detroit’s Fanbase

Gardner-Johnson also had his share of issues with the Lions’ fanbase. In a now-deleted social media post, he expressed frustration with the constant harassment he received from fans, even going as far as to claim that some players were “scared” to spend time in the city.

“It’s true,” he reaffirmed when asked about those comments. “When you play for teams like Detroit, New Orleans, and Philly, you have to be able to get outside and adapt to the culture. There are only a couple of guys in that locker room that actually did that. It’s not a negative statement, just the truth. I got so much love because I was actually out in the city, enjoying the people, the culture, the music, the food. Not everyone can do that.”

Feeling Misled by the Organization

One of the most damning parts of Gardner-Johnson’s statements was his belief that the Lions had initially planned to re-sign him after the season but changed course following the playoffs. When asked directly who misled him, he responded, “Everybody.”

“It was just certain people in the front office,” he added. “But business is business. Whatever. I’m not upset.”

Despite his frustration, he seems to have made peace with the situation—at least on the surface.

Moving Forward

While the Lions are coming off a strong 15-2 season and an NFC North title, their playoff exit left them short of their Super Bowl aspirations. Meanwhile, Gardner-Johnson now finds himself on the NFL’s biggest stage with a chance to win a championship with the Eagles.

His comments add another layer to Detroit’s offseason as they navigate major changes, including the departures of both offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Whether or not Gardner-Johnson’s words will have a lasting impact on the Lions’ reputation remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—his time in Detroit left a bitter taste, and he isn’t afraid to let the world know.