I've never played professional football. I'm going to disclose that right now. Once I realized the dream of becoming QB1 of the Philadelphia Eagles would probably die in high school (and, it did), I determined it would be wise to discover another path, so I became a radio personality and a DJ. Then, I learned I had a talent for journalism.
I've said all that to say this. I have no idea what it feels like to line up with an NFL defense, be ejected from a game, or house a pick-six seven days later vs. a division rival to get the scoring started. I imagine all of the available human emotions are tested though.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson, shall we say, is known for being emotional. That got the best of him vs. the Washington Commanders in Week 16, leading to his ejection (and another emotional outburst). He was fined $45,022 as a result, but how about that bounce-back versus the Dallas Cowboys?
It appears Birds fans aren't the only people who noticed.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson accepted some accountability following a great day vs. the Cowboys, and some positive recognition came later.
The Eagles had to feel like they were seeing double after the third most lopsided victory over their rivals from Texas. Saquon Barkley joined the 2K club. Well, when we think about it, he actually joined two. DeVonta Smith, if you remember, had that costly late-game drop vs. the Washington Commanders. He responded with two TD receptions vs. the Cowboys (and, he could have scored a third).
C.J. G.J. followed his Week 16 ejection by stacking two interceptions. He may have robbed Quinyon Mitchell for the second time this season after the latter, but we'll forgive him. He spoke with media members shortly after the game's conclusion.
"It hurt me not being out there and seeing them losing when we could have clinched the week before, but I had to look myself in the mirror and understand this is a team game and not a 'me' game." He also mentioned that he needed to grow up because he sees his team needs him.
There has always been some 'feast or famine' whenever he is in the lineup. Still, the numbers state he has a point. Check out a couple of nuggets here.
Most Multiple Interception Games since 2022:
— Al Karsten (@FootballGuy_Al) December 31, 2024
1. DET Kerby Joseph - 3
2. DAL DaRon Bland - 2
2. BUF Rasul Douglas - 2
2. PHI C.J. Gardner-Johnson - 2
2. IND Kenny Moore - 2
2. LAR-MIA Jalen Ramsey - 2
2. DEN Justin Simmons - 2
2. HOU Derek Stingley Jr. - 2
"I’m not sure where you can tell C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s value more: When he’s not playing or when he is playing. It was pretty obvious how much the Eagles missed his playmaking, energy, and leadership after he was ejected in Washington Sunday. The Commanders never really got going on offense until he was out of the game. Then you see him in action Sunday and the guy is just elite. His pick-6 was a work of art.
His second INT, setting up a touchdown just before halftime, gave him six INTs this year and 12 in just 28 games as an Eagle. He’s the first Eagle with two seasons with six or more interceptions since Asante Samuel in 2009 and 2010 and the first safety since Bill Bradley in 1971 and 1972.
And, even though he’s still played less than two full seasons here, C.J. still has the 2nd-most interceptions by an Eagle over the last 20 years with 12. CJGJ is having a monster year and he needs to stay on the field because this is a different team when he doesn’t."
via NBC Sports Philadelphia's Reuben Frank
He's been labeled as one of the more disliked players in the league by opposing players for a while now, but after his performance vs. the Cowboys, another positive mention has come. He's the NFC's Defensive Player of the Week.
The NFC Players of the Week! (Week 17) pic.twitter.com/6G2TBILyEd
— NFL (@NFL) December 31, 2024
Seeing him "grow up" has been refreshing despite the sample size. Suppose this fuels him to continue doing so moving forward. If it does, this might be one of the better stories of the Eagles 2024-25 season, especially if Philly raises the Vince Lombardi Trophy at the campaign's conclusion.