C.J. Gardner-Johnson addressed the elephant in the room shortly after it was reported Tuesday that he agreed to sign a three-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The 26-year-old cornerback spent the 2022 season in Philadelphia but was highly critical of the city on a video game livestream last July. When asked what his least favorite thing was about Philadelphia, Gardner-Johnson said, “the people.”
“They’re f------ obnoxious,” he said.
He didn’t waste any team acknowledging those comments on Tuesday.
“I do owe the fans of Philly an apology, regardless this is an amazing place and we had some memories together!” Gardner-Johnson wrote on social media. “Let’s go get us one.”
I do owe the fans of Philly an apology, regardless this is an amazing place and we had some memories together! Let’s go get us one #FlyEaglesFly
— C.J. Gardner-Johnson (@CGJXXIII) March 13, 2024
Gardner-Johnson tied for the league lead with six interceptions for the Eagles in 2022. He signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions last season but suffered an injury in Week 2 and only played six games—three in the regular season and three in the playoffs.
Now back in Philadelphia, Gardner-Johnson will join an Eagles team looking to rebound from a disappointing finish to the 2023 campaign.
It appears Eagles fans have already forgiven Gardner-Johnson for his harsh comments, some even embracing the cornerback in classic Philadelphia fashion:
Apologies for what? pic.twitter.com/UNtIyVac3N
— Laz🇱🇷🦅 (@Philly_Laz) March 13, 2024
Appreciate you CJ…but we wouldn’t have been actin out like that if we didn’t want you to stay here. That was the root of it. We just wanted you on the team 🦅🦅🦅🦅 we rockin
— tom stakes (@tomstakes) March 13, 2024
Family sometimes fight
— Nelson (@BelgerNelson) March 13, 2024
We’re toxic dawg, but it’s all love. You’re a legend in this city
— Philly Nation (@Philly__Nation) March 13, 2024
I suck and you’re right and amazing don’t worry CJGJ ball out again we love you
— Philly Sports Sufferer (@mccrystal_alex) March 13, 2024
All good bro. Let's go get you a ring
— BirdGang🦅 (@GordonsWord) March 13, 2024