Home / Sports / C.J. Gardner-Johnson Slams Bills Release: 'Everyone Turned'
C.J. Gardner-Johnson Slams Bills Release: 'Everyone Turned'
15 Nov
Summary
- Gardner-Johnson released after one-game suspension.
- He expressed feeling abandoned by friends and support.
- Damar Hamlin replaced him as starting safety.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson, a Super Bowl champion, shared his first public remarks after the Buffalo Bills released him on November 3, 2026. This decision followed a one-game suspension for an incident involving spitting at opponents. Despite earlier assurances from head coach Joe Brady that Gardner-Johnson was a valued member of the team, his release proved unexpected.
Gardner-Johnson voiced his frustration with the swift shift in public perception, writing, "In just a couple weeks, EVERYONE turned on me! No friends, no real support, it sucks we live in a society where one move can cause a downfall to anything!" He also alluded to years of personal hardships and feeling overlooked.
The Bills have since elevated Damar Hamlin to the starting safety role, alongside Cole Bishop. Hamlin has recorded seven tackles and one pass defended in his recent starts, while Bishop has contributed six tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. The team is preparing to face the New York Jets on Sunday.
