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CJ Gardner-Johnson in Tears: “I Tried Everything to Stay in Philly—But Fate Forced Me Out!”

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Just months after lifting the Lombardi Trophy with the Philadelphia Eagles at Super Bowl LIX, CJ Gardner-Johnson was rocked by the biggest shock of his career: A sudden trade to the Houston Texans—despite being the heart and soul of the Eagles’ historic defense.

Behind the Glory – The Pain of Leaving Home

Gardner-Johnson was a hero at the Linc—a fierce, passionate leader who transformed the Eagles’ defense. After years of bouncing between teams, he thought he’d finally found his true home in Philadelphia.
“It wasn’t just about football—it was about family. I moved my kids to new schools, moved my home, because I wanted to make history here in Philly…” CJ shared tearfully on a recent podcast.

But fate had other plans. Just weeks after the Super Bowl, the Eagles told him he’d either be traded or released. Calls to head coach Sirianni and advisor Dom DiSandro went unanswered—leaving only a brief explanation from GM Howie Roseman about “restructuring the roster and contract difficulties.”

“You Don’t Mess With My Family!”

What hurt CJ most wasn’t money or fame—it was being forced out after pouring his heart into the city and making Philly home for his wife and kids.
“You can’t play games with someone’s family… When you smile at my kids and suddenly say goodbye, that pain hits deep. I’m not someone you can just dismiss like that.”

CJ wanted to say a proper goodbye to everyone at the Eagles—but everything happened too fast, and all he was left with… was heartbreak.
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Houston: A New Start, but the Wound Remains

Now in Houston, CJ Gardner-Johnson has another chance to win—Texans are a talented, young team. But his heart is still in Philly, the city he fought for, where he cried tears of joy and, now, sorrow.

Even in a new jersey, CJ will always be a hero to Eagles Nation. Those who admired his fire, passion, and giant heart will never forget: “Once an Eagle—always an Eagle!”

Bears Could Get Huge Boost to Pass Rush for ‘MNF’ vs. Commanders
Bears defensive end Austin Booker could return in Week 6. The Chicago Bears could receive a significant boost to their pass rush when they take on the Washington Commanders for Monday Night Football in Week 6. The Bears are now eligible to designate second-year defensive end Austin Booker for return from the injured reserve list after he missed the first four games of the season. Booker had shone in the preseason and seemed the likely choice to serve as the Bears‘ top rotational pass rusher behind veterans Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo coming into the 2025 season, but he suffered a knee injury in August that forced the team to place him on the short-term injured reserve list after the 53-man roster cutdown. Promoted Content Brain Specialist: Honey, The Plaque Destroyer (Watch This)   Brain Journal Researcher: Honey Method, Alzheimer's Natural Predator (See How)   Brain Journal Dementia Has Been Linked To A Common Habit. Do You Do It?   Brain Defender Dementia & Memory Loss Have Been Linked To This Habit. You Do It?   Brain Journal While the Bears have not laid out an expected return timeline for Booker, they will have the option of designating him for return to practice in Week 6 if they feel he has made enough progress in his injury recovery. Once the Bears designate him for return, they will have 21 days to activate him to the roster or else must leave him on IR for the year. The Bears could provide clues to Booker’s status when they hold their first practice of the week on Wednesday and issue their first injury report for Sunday’s prime-time date with the Commanders. They would need to activate Booker by Saturday afternoon at the latest for him to have a chance of suiting up for them on Monday Night Football. The Bears (2-2) will take on the Commanders (3-2) at 8:15 p.m. ET next Monday.