Lions' C.J. Gardner-Johnson voted biggest trash talker by peers

Detroit Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (2) Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Lions' C.J. Gardner-Johnson voted NFL’s biggest trash talker by his peers

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 11/21/23

Detroit Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson has been known to run his mouth a time or two.

That garish reputation has now earned Gardner-Johnson a notable distinction among his peers, who recently voted him as the No. 1 trash talker in the NFL, according to a recent player poll conducted by The Athletic.

“I think that’s just kind of like his schtick,” one anonymous player said. “I don’t know if it necessarily works, but it’s what he reverts to.”

Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey garnered the second-most votes among the players and Philadelphia Eagles edge-rusher Brandon Graham and Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons tied for the third-most votes.

Gardner-Johnson hasn’t played since injuring a pectoral muscle in Detroit’s 37-31 overtime loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2, in which he led the team with eight tackles, but that hasn’t stopped the trash talk.

U see Deeboo Run Typical WR behavior … THEN ACT HARD WHEN TRENT SAVE HIM https://t.co/9wvgP7sJkK
— C.J. Gardner-Johnson (@CGJXXIII) October 15, 2023

Gardner-Johnson got into a war of words with San Francisco 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel over social media in mid-October after he called Samuel out for his part in a pre-game scuffle between 49ers and Cleveland Browns players.

The 25-year-old safety also went on an expletive-laden rant after Detroit’s 31-26 win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday, in which he can be seen reacting in real-time to the Lions' double-digit, come-from-behind, last-minute win.

While Gardner-Johnson knows his reputation precedes him, he’s quite alright with that.

“Everybody knows me to talk, but if you can back it up, you can talk as much crap as you want to,” Gardner-Johnson told reporters during training camp.

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