Houston Texans Reveal C.J. Gardner-Johnson's New Jersey Number

The Houston Texans' newest star safety is switching numbers ahead of his seventh-year pro.

Texans defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson will be wearing the number 23 for the 2025 season. It's the same number he wore during his first stint with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022.

Houston Texans DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson (@CGJXXIII) is wearing number 23. Last assigned to Eric Murray. #HTownMade pic.twitter.com/h73tljYytN
— NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) May 23, 2025

Gardner-Johnson has had a wide variety of digits during his six years in the NFL– wearing the number eight during his last season with the Eagles leading to a Super Bowl victory, donned number two in 2023 with the Detroit Lions, and wore 22 during his first three seasons in the league with the New Orleans Saints.

Gardner-Johnson came aboard Houston this offseason as a result of a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, alongside a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for former Texans first-rounder Kenyon Green and a 2025 fifth-round pick.

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson celebrates after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Earlier this offseason, Gardner-Johnson revealed he was "shocked" to learn about being dealt away from the Eagles just weeks following his Super Bowl victory, but is excited to take on a new opportunity in Houston.

"I think it was a great move for me," Gardner-Johnson said. "I think it allowed me not to get too comfortable. People have to understand I was comfortable where I was at. It was easy. When I say easy, it was I had resources I could easily access, people I could just go talk to. I think moving here, being the older guy, I actually have to grow up. That's a funny statement, but growing up and teaching guys it's more than just football. Being traded multiple times, I think people would shadow it by the things I've done in the league. But in reality, I just love playing football."

During his last season with the Eagles, Gardner-Johnson started in 16 games to log 59 combined tackles, 12 PBUs, and six interceptions. Now, he looks to bring that same intensity and impact into a talented Houston secondary.

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