Former NFL star CJ Gardner-Johnson has broken his silence after being released by the Buffalo Bills, claiming that “everyone turned on me” following his controversial exit.
The former Super Bowl champion was cut by Buffalo earlier this month after receiving a suspension for spitting at an opponent. He had appeared in only six games for the team.
Gardner-Johnson was handed a one-game suspension after cameras showed him spitting toward Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers during a heated exchange shortly before halftime of the Bills’ Week 6 matchup.
The 28-year-old safety was ejected, making the incident his final appearance in a Bills uniform. He remains a free agent and has not yet signed with another team.
More than a week after his release, Gardner-Johnson shared an emotional message on his Instagram story Saturday.
He wrote: “In just a couple of weeks, EVERYONE turned on me! No friends, no real support. It sucks that we live in a society where one move can cause a downfall to anything!”
CJ Gardner-Johnson shared an emotional statement after the Buffalo Bills released him
The Bills safety was captured spitting toward Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers during their Week 6 game
“If this is the last time y’all see my face or hear from me, it’s because you don’t understand the person. I went through years of pain, alone and suffering, trying to fit in. I never got the same opportunities everybody else got!”
“And when I say the same opportunities, just check my history — ‘my attitude and character,’ my position — but there are no real stories to back that up. It’s okay, though. As a man, I just pray that one day it gets better.”
Gardner-Johnson recorded 26 tackles and one interception across his six games with Buffalo this season.
The Bills were his sixth NFL team in eight seasons. Before joining Buffalo on a one-year contract, he had played for the New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans and Chicago Bears.
He was ejected during a game while playing for Philadelphia in 2024 and has received several fines throughout his career, but the suspension marked the first of his NFL tenure.
In the latest incident, cameras showed Gardner-Johnson approaching Bowers for a tense exchange before spitting in the direction of the Raiders tight end.
The incident unfolded directly in front of an official, who immediately threw a flag. Gardner-Johnson was ejected soon afterward and left the field wearing a bizarre grin.
After the game, Gardner-Johnson — who won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles — issued a public apology on social media.
Gardner-Johnson is now searching for his seventh NFL team in eight seasons
He wrote: “I want to take a moment to address my actions and sincerely apologize to my opponent, my teammates, my organization and everyone who supports me.
“My passion and competitive nature have always been a huge part of who I am, but I also understand that there is a line that should never be crossed. The gesture I made toward my opponent was inappropriate, unnecessary and not a reflection of the respect I have for him or this game.”
He continued: “There is no excuse for my actions, and I take full accountability. No matter how emotional or intense the competition becomes, I have to hold myself to a higher standard.
“To my opponent, I sincerely apologize. We compete hard between those lines, but respect should always remain at the forefront.
“One moment does not define my character, but how I respond to that moment matters. I will learn from this, grow from it and continue to lead with the integrity, passion and respect that have carried me throughout my career.
“I love this game, I respect this game and I will always protect the integrity of this game. My actions will speak louder than my words moving forward.”