When the Philadelphia Eagles didn’t retain safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Detroit Lions fans strongly advocated for bringing the skilled player to their team. After securing a one-year deal to play in Aaron Glenn’s defensive system, the outspoken veteran quickly gained popularity among defensive players. Despite spending most of the 2023 season on the injured reserve list, the 26-year-old worked diligently to make a comeback and contribute to the team’s playoff push. Now, as Detroit enters its first postseason
appearance in years, Gardner-Johnson stands out as one of the few veteran leaders with playoff experience. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the bigger goal rather than individual statistics in the playoffs. Gardner-Johnson warned that the postseason presents a different atmosphere, with thicker air, louder fans, and a win-or-go-home mentality. He stressed that being a playoff veteran means understanding that the journey ahead won’t be easy.
Make no mistake, the front office’s investment in a seasoned defensive player wasn’t just about making a brief appearance in the playoffs. When questioned if his signing was linked to the upcoming game against the Rams, Gardner-Johnson emphatically stated, “They brought me here to win the Super Bowl. They didn’t bring me here to make no playoffs.” While personal goals are fulfilling, especially considering he lacks a long-term contract beyond 2023, Gardner-Johnson emphasizes that team goals hold greater significance for the former Eagles safety.
“I’m focused on getting championships. I want to hang two more banners, forget interceptions,” he declared. “I’ve already got enough of them. I’m aiming for more.” A single playoff game holds significant meaning for an organization that hasn’t secured many big victories in the postseason. Going up against one of the hottest teams in the NFL will undoubtedly test Dan Campbell’s young roster.
“We’re going to find out on Sunday if we’re one and done or if we continue. This week will reveal who the Lions truly are. Getting bounced? That tells you who you are,” Gardner-Johnson stated. “If you continue, that also tells you who you are. We’re ready to play, but the real test comes Sunday at 8 o’clock, alright? I won’t say too much; I’m not giving any bulletin board material. See you on Sunday.”
Despite the return of former Lions starting quarterback Matthew Stafford being a major storyline early in the week, Gardner-Johnson, possibly aware of the external chatter surrounding the 35-year-old’s comeback, played down Stafford’s return to Ford Field.
“I don’t have anything personal against the guy, aside from him being a good quarterback. I’ve faced him in matchups,” Gardner-Johnson clarified. “But in this game, you guys are giving him his flowers just for doing what he could for Detroit. I’m not envious of his situation, but it is what it is.”
While many have revisited Stafford’s experiences during his 12-year tenure in Detroit, the talented safety adopted a different perspective. “There’s no tough situation. Things happen for a reason. It’s a business. You get traded; I got traded,” he explained. “They’re both doing well, so it benefited both of them, right? Think about the matchups I grew up playing with Brees and Brady.”
“You’ve got to consider that these are guys who will still be playing football. You don’t talk about them until they face each other. At any other times, this matchup isn’t really glorified, so let’s not deviate from the focus on the playoff game before delving into this matchup.”