‘I’m ready to go hunt’ – C.J. Gardner-Johnson is set for Texans’ opener at Rams
“I’m ready to go hunt,” said Gardner-Johnson, who helped the Philadelphia Eagles win a Super Bowl last season with his ball-hawking, instinctive presence with six interceptions. “New team. They haven’t seen me all preseason: What I’m gonna do? I feel good. Just blessed to be on the field with a group of guys that’s ready to play.”
One of the highest-energy and outspoken defensive backs in the NFL, Gardner-Johnson should provide a boost to an already loaded defense and secondary that includes Pro Bowl pass rushers Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr., All-Pro corner Derek Stingley Jr., and second-year corner Kamari Lassiter and safety Calen Bullock. Between Bullock and Gardner-Johnson, they combined for 11 interceptions last season.
“The energy has been good,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “C.J. has been back for a few days now, so the energy has been good. It is just a matter of getting him back into football. Just doing the communication, being where we are supposed to be, making sure everybody is on the same page.
“It just takes time getting back to that. He has done a really good job of just fitting right back in and rolling with the communication. So, we are excited to have him back. C.J. is good to go. He’s done what we expect from him for where he could go.”
“I’m gonna come and ball like I’ve been doing,” Gardner-Johnson said. “Go check the Carfax. I’m gonna bring the same thing I brought from other teams here. I’m just gonna check in a different way.”
“It’s dope,” Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud said. “His presence is always felt. He’s also heard a lot. So, it’s good. We need that type of energy and he does a good job of bringing that juice and that energy and that swag to our defense and our team. So, I’m very happy that he’s alright and he’s back.”
When Gardner-Johnson got hurt, it was a somber moment. Teammates and coaches were extremely concerned as he was carted off the field and examined.
“I was good the whole time,” Gardner-Johnson said. “Once I got the news right after practice, I was good.”
What happened? Video showed Gardner-Johnson slide on the grass and then his cleats got stuck in the grass, putting his knee in a vulnerable position. Ultimately, he avoided the more serious variety of knee injuries and it got better with rest and rehab.
“Practicing hard at The Greenbrier, probably overstraining myself,” Gardner-Johnson said. injury. “Going hard, like usual. Then body gave out one day. That’s it.
“Originally when you get hurt, of course you go down in pain. But it’s like after that, whoever the doctor is, the trainers, they diagnose and they do their thing. I appreciate them, all those guys, they did a great job. Now, we’re rolling.”
“To be honest, still have to learn,” Gardner-Johnson said. “Gotta understand that it’s still Week 1 and don’t get ahead of yourself. Just got to keep your mind focused and mentally prepare for what you’re gonna do. They got a veteran quarterback, veteran receiving corps.
“We got to go out there with our head on our shoulders ready to compete. That’s the greatest route runner of all time, if you ask me. I love Davante Adams’ game. I hope I get his jersey.”
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