C.J. Gardner-Johnson Reveals Reason Behind Texans Release, Says He Was Called 'B-Word'

C.J. Gardner-Johnson, one of the most well-traveled active NFL players, is opening up about his surprise release from the Houston Texans early last season.

Speaking to The Athletic's Tim Graham, Gardner-Johnson said the situation stemmed from someone who is "not technically" part of the Texans calling him the "B-word" during training camp that eventually led to him being cut:

"If y'all going to cut me, cut me. But I'll give nobody reasons to cut me. I haven't. I don't. I'm not a cancer. There's nobody in this locker room that says, 'Chauncey's a problem.' The media loves me. The only thing that'll do it is something that triggers somebody that has a say in the building that can alter somebody else's mind. That happens every time.

"That's how I got (cut) in Houston. One person that's not technically a part of the organization called me a B-word at Greenbrier. I get out my body; he says something to the GM, and the next thing I'm cut."

The Texans acquired Gardner-Johnson from the Philadelphia Eagles in March 2025. He started the first three games of the regular season before being released on Sept. 23, two days after a 17-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Speaking to reporters after the move, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said it was "my decision" to release Gardner-Johnson.

"It was my decision to move on," Ryans explained. "I know what's best for my team… Coming from me, the head coach, it was the best for our team. That's why I made the decision."

Per Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle, there were also issues with Gardner-Johnson's reliance "on his own knowledge" rather than playing within the Texans' defensive scheme.

Gardner-Johnson joined the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad two weeks later, but was released on Oct. 14. He was then signed by the Chicago Bears on Oct. 29 and appeared in 11 games, including the playoffs.

The Buffalo Bills signed Gardner-Johnson to a one-year deal as a free agent in March.

Since entering the NFL as a fourth-round pick in 2019, Gardner-Johnson has appeared in games with five different teams. He has also been part of seven different organizations, including the Bills.

Gardner-Johnson's longest stint with any club was his three-year run with the New Orleans Saints at the start of his career from 2019 to '21. He was very productive after joining the Bears last season, recording 51 combined tackles, four passes defensed and three sacks.