C.J. Gardner-Johnson, a safety for the Detroit Lions, worked extremely hard to recover from a serious injury quickly.
The veteran expressed some dissatisfaction that he will probably be included in a rotation if the decision is made to activate him off the injured reserve list, after a torn pectoral muscle cost him most of the 2023 season.
He said , “I’m going to be all the way thorough,” “Getting into a rotation, I’m cool with it. But, I mean, how can I say this, I don’t want to sound like a selfish or (expletive), but I didn’t get back early to be in a rotation. “But, I’m doing what I need to do as a team player to get my body going, per say, but I’ve been ready for almost months. I guess this is when it matters.”
C.J. Gardner-Johnson speaks about being a teammate
Dan Campbell indicated that Gardner-Johnson, 26, did not have to agree with the team’s decision about his play after clarifying that he was a professional and would accept whatever the team decided. However, he did acknowledge that a player’s strong desire to play as much as possible is respected.
The veteran’s remarks were taken by some to mean that he might cause trouble in the locker room or that he had problems with his teammates, who will be playing more in the near future.
Both Kerby Joseph and Ifeatu Melifonwu have made a name for themselves as dependable defensive backs with a keen eye for opportunity.
Using social media, Gardner-Johnson clarified, saying, “I’m a great teammate, stop trying to spread false news.”
I’m a great teammate too , stop trying to spread false news ! https://t.co/3yb3apBz92
— C.J. Gardner-Johnson (@CGJXXIII) January 6, 2024
He also expressed his gratitude to the team’s young safety players for their outstanding effort while his absence, but he still promised to fight his way back to the field and his starting position.