Eagles Fans Sensitive After Gardner-Johnson Says Lions' Roster Better
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New Detroit Lions defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson had a very strong first impression of the roster he is joining, after signing a one-year contract.
“To be honest with you, it’s a little better, but that’s just on me. Everybody can look from the outside looking in, but that’s just on me, from the outside looking in, but this team has talent," Gardner-Johnson said. “This team, we can win the division, possibly win the division. Everybody should feel that way. But, when I look at a team coming from where I came from, and the teams I’ve played on that won multiple divisions, been to playoff games, and been to the Super Bowl, this team has what it takes to get there, win the division and get to the playoffs.”
After having success with the Saints and appearing in the Super Bowl last season with the Eagles, the talented defensive back understands what it takes for a team to succeed in the postseason.
“We just gotta understand the identity and stand on it. If we’re going to be a team that’s going to fight from behind all year, we gotta be that team all year," Gardner-Johnson said. "If we gonna be in front all year and blow teams out, gotta be that team all year. You can’t change your identity every week.”
After leaving the Eagles, a segment of the NFC East team's fanbase has taken offense to what the 25-year-old has posted on social media and what he said about the Lions' roster.
Many expressed surprise, while some simply laughed it off. Others were very agitated that a player would leave their organization and make such bold comments in their first media session with a new team.
“I don’t have any bad blood,” Gardner-Johnson said. “People overreact to a tweet in free agency, but it was never disrespectful toward the organization. The organization treated me like family. It’s just, gotta do what’s best for your family. That’s all it is.”
Here is a sample of the reaction online to Gardner-Johnson's comments about the talent on the Lions' roster.
