Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson has a reputation as a troublemaker in the NFL. But the defensive back is surprised by it—and is lashing out at his critics.

Six teams in seven years. C.J. Gardner-Johnson is one of the most controversial players in the NFL.

Now the safety has landed with the Buffalo Bills—and is speaking out in an interview. He’s had enough of the narrative that follows him.

“One of the narratives is that I’m a cancer in the locker room,” Gardner-Johnson said in an interview with “The Athletic.”

Gardner-Johnson lashes out: “Where was that after the Super Bowl?”

“When did that come up? After I was with the Houston Texans? Where was that after the Super Bowl loss? Where was that after the Super Bowl win? If we really think about it: When was I a cancer?”

The 26-year-old doesn’t deny that he has a fiery temper. His nickname, “Ceedy Deuce,” represents his alter ego on the field—one that drives opponents to fury. But in his own view, that’s not a flaw, but a source of motivation.

In his seven NFL seasons, Gardner-Johnson has recorded 20 interceptions, 55 pass deflections, 370 tackles (including seven sacks), and three forced fumbles—a track record that would typically lead to long-term contracts for most players. Instead, since leaving the New Orleans Saints after the 2021 season, he has played for a different franchise every year.

NFL – Gardner-Johnson confident: “I’m going to win the next Super Bowls”

He lost Super Bowl LVII with the Eagles, then saw limited action with the Detroit Lions due to injury, and returned to Philadelphia for the 2024 Super Bowl victory. In 2025, he moved to Houston, where, according to his own account, he was released after getting into a dispute with a friend of the general manager.

Next came Chicago, where he recorded two interceptions and 51 tackles in eleven games.

Gardner-Johnson also rubs salt in the wound when it comes to leadership: “There are a lot of captains in this league who only do it to sell jerseys. I can name three or four captains I wouldn’t stand behind.”

With the Bills, where Josh Allen is the starting quarterback, Gardner-Johnson now sees his chance—and he sounds just like he always does: confident to the point of arrogance. “I’m going to win the next two out of three Super Bowls. Look at who my quarterback is. If I get a damn chance, it’s over.”