C.J. Gardner-Johnson: Lions Brought Me Here to 'Win the Super Bowl'

When safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was not retained by the Philadelphia Eagles, there was a large clamoring from Detroit Lions supporters to bring the talented safety to Motown. 

After signing a one-year contract to play in Aaron Glenn's defensive system, the outspoken veteran instantly became one of the most popular players on the defensive side of the football. 

Even though the 26-year-old spent the majority of the 2023 season on the injured reserve list, he worked diligently for the opportunity to return and contribute for a team making a playoff push. 

Now that Detroit is embarking on their first postseason appearance in several years, Gardner-Johnson is among the few veteran leaders with experience and postseason success. 

“More focus. Guys, this is a different season. We don’t care about how many records you’ve broke. That goes for both teams, teammates and opposing teams. Don’t matter what you did last week," said Gardner-Johnson. "Some people got zero stats in the playoffs on this team. 

"If you really look their stats up in the postseason, some of these guys have no stats in the postseason. In order to put it in the back of your mind, you have to really think about what’s the bigger goal? Stats, or to get to the next round? Matchups or get to the next round? I think, being a playoff vet, I’m just here letting you guys know that this s**t is not gonna be easy," Gardner-Johnson explained further. "Atmosphere different, air thicker, fans a little bit louder. Win or go home. It ain’t win, come back and game plan. It’s win or go home."

Make no mistake, the front office did not make the investment in a proven player on defense just to be satisfied appearing in a single playoff game. 

“They brought me here to win the Super Bowl," Gardner-Johnson said, when asked if the game against the Rams was a reason the team signed him. "They didn’t bring me here to make no f****ng playoffs.”

Personal goals are satisfying, as he is without a long-term contract beyond the 2023, but team goals resonate more for the former Eagles safety. 

“I’m trying to get this championships. I’m trying to hang two more banners, f**k interceptions, he said. "I’ve already got enough of them. I’m trying to get some more.”

One playoff game could mean a great deal for an organization that simply has not won many big games in the postseason. 

Facing one of the hottest teams in the NFL will prove to be a test for Dan Campbell's young roster. 

“We’re gonna find out Sunday, if we’re one and done or one and continue. This is the type of week where you find out who the Lions are. Get bounced? That lets you know who you are," said Gardner-Johnson. "If you continue, that lets you know who you are. You’re ready to play, but you’re gonna find out Sunday at 8 o’clock, alright? So I can’t speak too much. I’m not giving you no bulletin board material. So see you on Sunday.” 

Nothing personal against Matthew Stafford

One of the big narratives during the early part of the week has been the return of former Lions starting quarterback Matthew Stafford. 

Gardner-Johnson, likely aware of the outside noise surrounding the 35-year-old's return, downplayed Stafford's return to Ford Field.  

“I don’t have nothing personally against the guy aside from him being a good quarterback. I’ve played him in matchups," said Gardner-Johnson. "But this is one of those games where you guys are giving him his flowers just for doing what he could for Detroit. I’m not jealous that he’s, but it is what it is.”

While many have rehashed what Stafford experienced during his 12-year run in Motown, the talented safety took a different stance. 

“Ain’t no tough situation. S**t happens for a reason. It’s a business. You get traded, I got traded," he explained. "They’re both doing good, so it benefitted both of them, right? The matchups I was playing in growing up with Brees and Brady, think about the matchups of that. 

"You’ve got to think, these are guys that are still gonna be playing football. You don’t talk about these guys until they see each other. Any other times, this matchup isn’t really glorified, so let’s not get off a playoff game, before we get into a matchup.”