Florida football: CJ Gardner-Johnson back in Gainesville to help the Gators
By Will Thomas
Florida football is officially starting spring practices and ramping up their preparations for the 2023-2024 season, and the second year of Billy Napier’s tenure.
With a good bit of roster turnover, there are a lot of questions that need answers, and there’s a lot of work to be done before August rolls around.
The good news for the Gators is that a familiar face is back in town, and is eager and excited to help the program get back to the top. Former Florida safety CJ Gardner-Johnson is back in Gainesville now that the NFL season has wrapped up, and he’s ready to leave his impact on the team.
CJ had some high praise for UF and talked about why Florida is such an attractive place for recruits in a video from the Gators’ page.
“If I could go somewhere I can get to the top, I’m committing on the spot… I love Florida.”
Florida, even in their down years on the field, is one of the best schools in the country at putting guys in the pros. UF went 6-7 this past year and sent nine guys to the NFL Combine, and may have the No. 1 overall pick in Anthony Richardson.
The coolest thing about CJ being back is that he isn’t just there to help out the safeties on the field, he’s there for everybody.
“I’m here. I’m back. Here to help any player, student. I got advice on financials, on the field, off the field.”
Gardner-Johnson isn’t back for any personal gain. He’s there because he loves the Gators and wants to help out the next generation of UF students.
Seeing a former player come back like this doesn’t just make fans feel good, but it shows the whole country the culture that Florida has.
Hopefully, we’ll see more players come back like CJ has, and have a similar impact on the Gators.
Keep up with Florida football at Hail Florida Hail.