Why Lions’ C.J. Gardner-Johnson ‘Might Cry’ If Team Clinches NFC North Title
The Lions are one victory away from winning the NFC North division and ending one of the NFL’s longest active droughts.
What would it mean to defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson if Detroit clinches?
“I might cry,” Gardner-Johnson told reporters in the Detroit locker room Wednesday. “A lot of these guys ... haven’t experienced calling themselves a champ, you know? This is a step in feeling like a winner.”
Gardner-Johnson has won three division titles over his career—two with the Saints (2019, ‘20) and one with the Eagles (2022) before signing with Detroit last offseason.
“That’s the best feeling,” he said.
The Lions haven’t won a division title since 1993—a drought that would reach 30 years if Detroit fumbles the division lead in the season’s final weeks.
All the Lions need is one win or one Vikings loss, which they can take care of themselves by defeating Minnesota on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The two teams also match up in Week 18 to close out the regular season.
Gardner-Johnson hasn’t played in a game since tearing a pectoral muscle in Week 2. He returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since sustaining that injury and could return to the field at some point over the next few weeks.
