Discarded NFL star CJ Gardner-Johnson finally addressed his release by the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, claiming ‘everyone turned on me.’
The former Super Bowl champion was axed by Buffalo earlier this month after he was suspended for spitting at an opponent. He had played just six games for the team.
Gardner-Johnson was slapped with a one-game ban after he was caught spitting at Las Vegas Raiders center Tyler Linderbaum and tight end Brock Bowers just before halftime of the Bills’ Week 6 matchup.
The 28-year-old was ejected from the game and the vile incident now sits in history as his final moment in a Bills uniform. He has not yet been signed by another team.
Over a week later, the safety posted an emotional message to his Instagram story on Saturday.
He wrote: ‘In just a couple of weeks, EVERYONE turned on me! No friends, no real support, it sucks we live in a society where one move can cause a downfall to anything!
CJ Gardner-Johnson posted a rambling statement in response to the Buffalo Bills cutting him
The Bills safety was seen spitting at a Las Vegas Raiders rival during their Week 6 clash
‘If this the last time yall see my face or hear from me it’s cause you don’t understand the person, went through years of pain, alone, suffering trying to fit in, never got the same opportunity everybody else got!
‘And when I say same opportunities, just check my history “my attitude and character” my position but no real stories to back that up! It’s ok though as a man I just pray that one day it get better.’
In six games for the Bills this season, Gardner-Johnson recorded 26 tackles and one interception.
Buffalo was his sixth NFL team in eight seasons. He previously played for New Orleans, Philadelphia, Detroit, Houston and Chicago before signing a one-year contract with the Bills.
He was ejected in 2024 while playing for Philadelphia and has been fined numerous times during his NFL career, though had never been suspended.
In the latest incident, cameras had caught him approaching Raiders tight end Bowers for a heated exchange of words – before spitting in his rival’s direction.
The shocking moment occurred right in front of an official, who quickly flagged the action. Gardner-Johnson was ejected from the game soon after and left the field with a bizarre grin on his face.
Following the incident, Gardner-Johnson, who won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles, issued a groveling apology on social media.
Gardner-Johnson is now looking for his seventh NFL team in eight seasons
He wrote: ‘I want to take a moment to address my actions and sincerely apologize to my opponent, my teammates, my organization, and everyone who supports me.
‘My passion and competitive nature have always been a huge part of who I am, but I also understand that there is a line that should never be crossed. The gesture I made toward my opponent was inappropriate, unnecessary, and not a reflection of the respect I have for him or this game.’
He continued: ‘There is no excuse for my actions, and I take full accountability. No matter how emotional or intense the competition gets, I have to hold myself to a higher standard.
‘To my opponent, I sincerely apologize. We compete hard between those lines, but respect should always remain at the forefront.
‘One moment does not define my character, but how I respond to that moment matters. I will learn from this, grow from it, and continue to lead with the integrity, passion, and respect that have carried me throughout my career.
‘I love this game, I respect this game, and I will always protect the integrity of this game. My actions will speak louder than my words moving forward.’
