Trash-talking Eagles S C.J. Gardner-Johnson even barks at GOATs
The Eagles are pumped up by the play of C.J. Gardner-Johnson, their high-energy, trash-talking safety. He has even gone toe to toe with the GOAT.
Through six games, he has 31 tackles and is tied with cornerback Darius Slay for the most interceptions on the team with three. Two of his takeaways came in the Eagles' victory in Week 6 over Dallas.
Eleven days before the start of the season, GM Howie Roseman acquired Gardner-Johnson from the Saints. In his four seasons in New Orleans, he started 31 of the 43 regular-season games he played. Of the Eagles' offseason additions, which included receiver A.J. Brown, Gardner-Johnson may be the most impactful — both due to his play and his mouth.
The 24-year-old's trash-talking may turn some off, but the Eagles are all-in.
"We said he probably talks a little bit more than some other guys, and he dances a little bit more than some other guys on the practice field, but this guy loves ball, he loves to prepare and he loves to play," defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon told Yahoo Sports.
Gardner-Johnson, who has the '"dog mentality" the Eagles crave, isn't hestant to jaw with anyone, including Tom Brady.
"Everybody knows me as a talker, that's flashy," Gardner-Johnson said (h/t Sports Illustrated). "But just playing with guys who have a chip on their shoulder, who all have the same goal in mind, it's a humbling experience for me."
With the Eagles on a bye, Gardner-Johnson won't be trash-talking on a field this week, but look for more in Week 8 when the unbeaten undefeated Eagles host the Steelers.
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