C.J. Gardener-Johnson, also known as Ceedy Deuce, is a 5’11 210-pound safety out of Florida University by way of Cocoa, Florida. He was drafted in the 4th Round by the New Orleans Saints. Over the course of his relatively young career, he has played for three different teams but has left an impact everywhere that he has been.

College Career

C.J. played in 11 games his freshman year at Florida. His most notable performance came in the Outback Bowl where he recorded a pick-six to go along with another interception and two tackles. He was named MVP of the game in a win over Iowa. He would go on to start in 11 games his sophomore season and before his Junior Season, would be moved to the nickel back position. He played in all 13 games and started in 12 of those. He would finish the year with 71 total tackles and 4 interceptions (two of which were returned for touchdowns). He concluded his college career with a Defensive MVP effort in the Chick-Fil- A Bowl against Michigan. As a result he would receive AP All-Bowl Honors. C.J. would choose to forego his Senior Season and declare for the draft.

New Orleans Saints

C.J. would eventually be drafted in the 4th round by the New Orleans Saints. He would get his first interception from the hands of Matt Ryan on Thanksgiving Day. In Week 16 he recorded 8 tackles and a forced fumble against the Tennessee Titans. He would receive All-Rookie team honors to conclude his first season of action.

In 2020 C.J. had his fair share of brush-ups, not only with opposing players, but also with his own teammate as well. He was involved with an altercation with star wide receiver Michael Thomas, which led to Thomas being benched the following game. In addition, on two separate occasions he was involved in fights with Chicago Bear receivers Javon Wims and Anthony Miller. C.J. would record his first sack in week 10 on 49ers’ Quarterback Nick Mullens. He would intercept his lone pass of the year against the Denver Broncos on Kendal Hinton.

Here's Tre'Quan Smith summarizing what it's like going against CJ Gardner-Johnson in PRACTICE, and you can only imagine what it's like for, ya know, the actual opponents. #Saints

Via @WWLAMFM pic.twitter.com/5CIXENnZHp

— Jeff Nowak (@Jeff_Nowak) April 8, 2022

Philadelphia Eagles

C.J. would play one more year with the Saints. During training camp of 2022, he was traded in exchange for draft picks to the Philadelphia Eagles. C.J. started the first 11 games of the year on his way to a career year, which would be derailed by a kidney injury that would keep him out until the playoffs. C.J. had by then already intercepted 6 passes on the season. He ended the year in a 4-way tie for the most interceptions in the league. C.J. would help the Eagles reach the Super Bowl, and he would contribute 4 tackles in a losing effort to the Chiefs.

Detroit Lions

C.J. left Philadelphia in the offseason and signed a one-year deal for $8 million dollars with the Detroit Lions. He has established a veteran, vocal leadership role to a Lions defense who desperately needed an identity. In the second week of the season Gardener would suffer a torn Pectoral, which left the team in serious doubt whether he would ever suit up for Detroit again. Due to CJ’s hard work and determination, he would be cleared to return to practice as of December 14th.  This would not be without months of two-a-day rehabilitation. The hope is C.J. can return this week against the Dallas Cowboys and contribute to a defense that is beginning to click at the perfect time as they make a late season playoff push.

CJ Gardner-Johnson is back at Lions practice pic.twitter.com/wIe3inJrYx

— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) December 20, 2023

Conclusion

C.J. Gardener-Johnson is a versatile member of the secondary. He primarily plays nickel back but can also play both safety positions. He is equally effective in the deep safety role, as he is playing closer to the line of scrimmage. He is a player that has a nose for the ball and instantly becomes a top playmaker for a defense who has been turning the ball over quite frequently as of late.