C.J. Gardner-Johnson “Apology” Has Revealing Precedent in Eagles History
Howie Roseman hasn’t been shy in his response to a late-season collapse. The Philadelphia Eagles will land another big name when C.J. Gardner-Johnson signs a three-year, $33 million deal. He promptly shared an “apology” for the wrongs of the past on his X/Twitter account after the news broke.
I do owe the fans of Philly an apology, regardless this is an amazing place and we had some memories together! Let’s go get us one #FlyEaglesFly
— C.J. Gardner-Johnson (@CGJXXIII) March 13, 2024
The splashy moves in NFL free agency and the convenient apology might satisfy Eagles fans temporarily, but they mean absolutely nothing in the grand scheme.
“The first day of free agency, anybody can win. All you have to do is spend money. Really, my daughter in ninth grade could probably be a free agent winner on the first day.” –Adam Schefter
Gardner-Johnson Rips Philadelphia
Gardner-Johnson tied for the NFL lead in interceptions during his only season in Philadelphia in 2022. He looked like a candidate to return on a long-term contract, but negotiations soured last offseason. These types of business decisions aren’t uncommon in the NFL. The Eagles should regret their decission given the hendsight of defensive personnel issues in 2023.
The colorful safety, however, then made some bold comments on a Twitch stream about living in Philadelphia.
“My least favorite thing is the people. They’re f***ing obnoxious. I f***ing can’t stand the f***ers.” –C.J. Gardner Johnson
Gardner-Johnson also tweeted about “flying home” after the recent agreement despite the comments and a questionable divorce with the organization.
Fierce NFL competitors tend to make passionate comments. Does the vulgar criticism of Philadelphians mean his second stint with the Eagles is doomed? No. The Philadelphia fan base adores winners, and they’ll celebrate C.J. Gardner-Johnson if the Eagles reach another Super Bowl with him in the defensive backfield.
The convenient timing of his supposedly apologetic tweet, however, seems to be lost in the excitement of the Eagles plugging a roster hole. The situation has interesting precedence in franchise history.
Jeremiah Trotter
The Eagles let Jeremiah Trotter walk away to the Washington Redskins in 2002 after consecutive seasons of All-Pro producction. Andy Reid didn’t value his middle linebacker enough to meet his contract demands. Both Trotter and Reid handled the divorce questionably in a situation eerily similar to Gardner-Johnson’s last offseason.
The Eagles needed a linebacker two years later. Trotter was a free agent, and a reunion seemed like common sense. Reid and Trotter changed their tone, and the relationship worked out.
“Whatever was said — he said some things, I said some things — we meant from a business standpoint… I think we were both able to throw those things out of the window and come together as human beings. He’s done a great job.” –Andy Reid (via NBC News)
The retread middle linebacker jumped back into stardom to help the Eagles to an appearance in Super Bowl XXXIX after the 2004 season. All hard feelings seemed to be a thing of the past. Reid and the Eagles even repeated the decision when they brought back Trotter for a third stint in 2009.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson Part II
Trotter’s return worked out. Does that mean Gardner-Johnson will land smoothly back into the role he played in 2022? Absolutely not.
Trotter showed better maturity during his hiatus than Gardner-Johnson once the initial dust settled. He spoke with a level head after his first game against the Eagles with Washington in September 2002. He acknowledged the business aspect of the NFL and downplayed the feud with Andy Reid.
He also stepped onto a loaded roster primed for Super Bowl contention and waited until midseason to earn his starting spot back. Gardner-Johnson conversely reassumes a starting role on a unit that finished last season with embarrassing incompetence. His success in 2022 had a lot to do with a unit that clicked harmoniously, which is the case for plenty of NFL players.
Most importantly, remorse doesn’t drive these situations. Trotter even spoke negatively in retirement about Andy Reid on 97.5 The Fanatic. The match on the football field and the convenience of a reunion were the reasons for the Eagles to sign C.J. Gardner-Johnson much more than any apology.
Howie Roseman and the Eagles can make amends privately or publicly with their prodigal son in his second stint. Gardner-Johnson could show maturity behind the scenes or in front of the Philadelphia media. It’s certainly possible for people in all walks of life to mend fences.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson is a talented player with the potential to help the Philadelphia defense improve in 2024. His three-year deal could turn out as a victory. However, if it does, don’t make the mistake of thinking it was because of a suspiciously convenient apology on social media from someone who personally insulted the people of the city he’s now playing in.
Watch The John Kincade Show on the 97.5 The Fanatic YouTube page for discussion about the latest breaking sports news in Philadelphia.
