C.J. Gardner-Johnson has made a living as one of the NFL’s infamous agitators, especially when it comes to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
His trash talk was a catalyst for the Bucs–Saints rivalry that blossomed during the Tom Brady era and carried over when Baker Mayfield took over in Tampa Bay. Even as a member of the Detroit Lions, Gardner-Johnson couldn’t resist taking a dig, praising the Bucs’ receiving corps but adding that they lack a good quarterback.
During the 2023 NFC Divisional Round, a tipped pass led to a Gardner-Johnson interception, and he celebrated by running the ball over to Mayfield, continuing to increase the tension.
This season, now with Houston, he stood over an injured Mayfield on Monday Night Football in Week 2 and said something that prompted the Bucs quarterback to spring to his feet and confront him. Mayfield ultimately had the last laugh, leading a last-second 20–19 comeback win over Gardner-Johnson and the Texans.
After the game, Mayfield told reporters, “We don’t take any s***,” and even posted a photo of the confrontation on Instagram, drawing a response from Gardner-Johnson in the comments.
Baker Mayfield on IG: "Built different. 10 toes down." https://t.co/YVctjoEK5D pic.twitter.com/7TnLJJG8dc
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 17, 2025
Baker Mayfield gets the last laugh as Houston Texans release C.J. Gardner Johnson
Now, Mayfield has another reason to smile. Gardner-Johnson was released by the Texans amidst the team’s 0-3 start to the season.
According to Texans insider Aaron Wilson, friction inside the locker room that went as far as a trade request led Houston to release Gardner-Johnson after just three regular-season games with the team.
Among the issues #Texans experienced behind the scenes with C.J. Gardner-Johnson, per sources, he was critical of teammates in the secondary and didn't like his role. It was a locker room issue and ultimately this just wasn't a good fit for the team and for a talented… https://t.co/tHhsv9Ur7v
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 23, 2025
The move continues a pattern for Gardner-Johnson. After spending his first three seasons in New Orleans, the Saints traded him to Philadelphia. He spent one year with the Eagles, who let him walk in free agency. Detroit gave him a one-year deal but also didn’t want to re-sign him. He returned to Philadelphia for a Super Bowl run in 2024, only for the Eagles to move on from him again, this time trading him to Houston. Just three games later, he’s already looking for yet another fresh start.
Despite some on-field success, Gardner-Johnson has proven to be a personality no team wants to keep around in their locker room long-term. After their feud reached a new peak on national television last week, Mayfield is likely sipping his tea and having a laugh at the latest news.