C.J. Gardner-Johnson Unhappy at Houston Texans
Houston, TX – June 2, 2025 – There’s trouble brewing in Houston! Just months after joining the Houston Texans in a high-profile trade, veteran safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson is reportedly causing a stir within the team. Insiders reveal that Gardner-Johnson, who signed a reworked one-year deal after being traded in the 2025 offseason, is deeply frustrated with the team’s disorganized practices, unclear defensive strategy, and lack of chemistry following OTAs.
Gardner-Johnson, a Super Bowl LIX champion with the Eagles, was a cornerstone in Philly’s secondary for two seasons, amassing 12 interceptions, 103 tackles, and 20 pass deflections across 28 games, per ESPN. His move to the Texans was meant to bolster a secondary that ranked 18th in pass defense in 2024, according to ESPN. The Texans traded guard Kenyon Green and a 2026 fifth-round pick, receiving a 2026 sixth-rounder in return, expecting Gardner-Johnson to bring his playmaking prowess to the roster.
Sources close to the team say Gardner-Johnson has privately vented about the Texans’ coaching staff and their lack of direction. “I came here expecting a clear plan to win a championship, but it’s all over the place,” he reportedly told a teammate, per The Athletic’s Aaron Reiss. “No structure in practice—guys are lost, and the playbook’s a puzzle. It’s not like Philly.”
The practice field has been chaotic. Insiders describe sloppy drills, misaligned coverages, and players clashing over assignments. The Houston Chronicle reported that Gardner-Johnson skipped the final OTA session, spotted back in his hometown of Cocoa, Florida, signaling his discontent. “It’s a mess,” a source quoted him saying. “No rhythm, no unity—how do you build a defense like this?”
Gardner-Johnson’s attempts to rally the secondary and instill his vocal leadership have fallen flat, with some players resisting head coach DeMeco Ryans’ new system. The lack of cohesion worries the 27-year-old, who thrived in the Eagles’ disciplined, aggressive approach under Nick Sirianni. Reactions on X are divided. “Gardner-Johnson is right—this team looks lost!” one user posted. Others pushed back: “Stop complaining, CJGJ! You’re not in Philly anymore!”
The team, still reeling from back-to-back Divisional Round exits, faces growing concerns that this early discord could derail their 2025 playoff aspirations. DeMeco Ryans, lauded for leading the Texans to consecutive playoff appearances, now faces pressure to unify the squad. With C.J. Stroud at quarterback and a defense banking on Gardner-Johnson and Derek Stingley Jr., the clock is ticking to fix the dysfunction before training camp. Will Gardner-Johnson’s frustrations lead to a trade demand, or can the Texans turn things around? Stay tuned for what’s next in Houston!
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