Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson made clear on Thursday that he is eagerly anticipating the team’s Week 1 matchup against the Houston Texans, one of his former clubs.
Speaking to reporters after returning to practice following a brief absence with a calf strain, the veteran defensive back did not hold back about his short and contentious stint in Houston last season.
“It’s a good team. Not saying nothing on the front office or the staff, but the players … they are good,” Gardner-Johnson said, via ESPN. “All the bulls— that came out, it was lies, but whatever. I just can’t wait to see ’em.”
Gardner-Johnson’s time with the Texans ended after three games in 2025. Following a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars that left Houston 0-3, reports emerged of a sideline confrontation involving teammates that later continued in the locker room.
Coach DeMeco Ryans released him, stating it was in the best interest of the team and citing that he was not jelling or fitting well.
Gardner-Johnson pushed back on that narrative.
“They released me because I wasn’t jelling with the team and I didn’t fit well,” he said. “Well, why the hell didn’t the coach spoke up about it? … After the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, they decided I didn’t fit well. We was already starting 0-3, so how can it possibly be on one person?”
He also called for more professionalism in how the situation was handled.
“Be adults about the business. We here, we grown men, we all got kids. A five-second phone call don’t justify nothing. And I feel like I need some respect, but I don’t care for it no more,” Gardner-Johnson said.
After brief stops with the Baltimore Ravens and Chicago Bears, Gardner-Johnson signed with Buffalo in free agency. He praised the Bills’ communication and transparency, noting it stands in contrast to his experience in Houston.
With the season opener approaching against his former team, the safety is focused on being ready.
