The Detroit Lions became America’s darling during the 2023 NFL season as they finally overcame decades of struggles to not only make the playoffs, but come within a half of reaching their first Super Bowl. But one former member of the team does not have a high opinion of the long-suffering Lions fanbase.
Taking to X earlier today in a since-deleted post, former Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (who recently signed with the Philadelphia Eagles), ripped Lions fanbase for being “quick to turn” on him.
“Lions fans quick to turn! But ima hush,” he wrote in a since-deleted post.
A few minutes later, Gardner-Johnson declared that he is a “city legend” and any resident will say so.
“City legend though, definitely can ask any East side or west side resident! So (quit) playing on my name ‘fans.’”
Sometime later, Gardner-Johnson clarified his second statement on Instagram, stating that he was one of only a few players willing to into the city because the rest of the team was “scared.”
“Tired of these Detroit fans. Let’s set the record straight. ONLY ME & (Jameson Williams) had the streets of Detroit behind us. All the other guys on the team was scared to go outside to kick it with the city.”
Gardner-Johnson joined the Lions on a one-year, $8 million deal before the 2023 season but played only a handful of games for them this season.