The injury bug that has hit Gainesville is spreading around the country to the Gators in the NFL and, unfortunately, it's a serious one for CJ Gardner-Johnson.
Gardner-Johnson, who currently plays for the Houston Texans, was carted off the field during camp today, and it's feared that he could miss the upcoming season. Head coach DeMeco Ryans wasn't ready to offer an update.
DeMeco Ryans on CJGJ injury:
— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) August 7, 2025
“It’s heartbreaking when you see a guy go down on the field like that.. we’ll see where he is but no update at this time.”
Emphasizes importance to “take the time there, take a knee.. pray for him, just make sure they send their teammate off well.” pic.twitter.com/Lsucw7vMJZ
"It's heartbreaking when you see a guy go down on the field like that and doesn't get up quickly," Ryans said. "So I'm always nervous as a head coach anytime I see anybody hit the ground. It's tough to watch. We'll evaluate C.J. and see where he is, but no update at this time."
When Gardner-Johnson went down, his teammates gathered around him to offer their best wishes.
"You see the emotion from our team because we care about each other," Ryans continued. "We're going to take the time for guys to take a knee, pray for him, just make sure they send their teammate off well."
Gardner-Johnson started for most of his three years at Florida and was a fourth-round pick (105th overall) of the New Orleans Saints in the 2019 NFL Draft. He was a member of the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie team in 2019.
Florida DB Chauncey Gardner-Johnson.
— Football Recruit. (@FootballRecruit) December 29, 2018
Underclassman.
Declared for NFL Draft.
Didn't skip the Peach Bowl.
Has 2 INT (including a pick six).
Florida Gators just beat the brakes off Michigan.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T. pic.twitter.com/6FlTCoUtkG
The seven-year pro, however, has had most of his success during his two stints with the Philadelphia Eagles. Gardner-Johnson was traded to the Eagles in 2022 and became an integral part of the defense. His six interceptions were tied for the most in the NFL despite him missing five games with a lacerated kidney.
After spending a season in Detroit, Gardner-Johnson returned to Philadelphia in 2024 and signed a three-year, $27 million contract with $10 million in guaranteed money. He equaled his career high with six interceptions and earned the first Super Bowl ring of his career. Gardner-Johnson was traded to the Texans in the offseason and was expected to give the Texans secondary a major boost in pass coverage.
Hopefully the early reports of an Achilles injury aren't true and we'll get to see Gardner-Johnson on the field this season.