
'So we can't wear green anymore?': CJ Gardner-Johnson's son's heartbreaking reaction to Eagles trade
, trades usually come with cold headlines and fast-moving deals. But for safety C.J.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Gardner-Johnson, being traded away from the Philadelphia Eagles wasn't just a career move, it was a punch to the gut, delivered in the most unexpected way.
CJGJ's son wasn't asking about clothes, he was asking about home
For kids, sports teams aren't just symbols. They're traditions. They're Sundays with Dad, tailgate memories, and jerseys worn with pride.
'My son said, 'So we can't wear green anymore? and that killed me.'
That single line from Gardner-Johnson, shared during an appearance on
The Pivot
podcast, is proof that NFL life affects far more than just the athlete.
It's a powerful glimpse into how deeply a uniform, a city, and a team become a part of a family's identity especially through the eyes of a child.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson sets record straight on his behavior after Eagles trade to Houston | The Pivot
When Gardner-Johnson's young son asked if they couldn't wear green anymore, he wasn't asking about fashion. He was asking,
are we not part of this anymore?
That's the part that broke CJGJ. Because while he could suit up for a new franchise, it was much harder to explain to his child why the colors that once defined their family's weekends suddenly had to go.
CJGJ found his swagger in Philly and so did his family
C.J. Gardner-Johnson joined the Eagles in 2022 and instantly became a fan favorite. His trash talk, his energy, and his big plays fit perfectly with Philly's gritty identity. He helped the team reach the Super Bowl and built a reputation as one of the league's most dynamic safeties.
But off the field, his family was adjusting just as fast. They embraced the culture. They bled green. His son didn't just support the team, he felt like he was part of it.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
That makes leaving even tougher.
Behind every trade is a family picking up the pieces
Trades and roster moves are treated like chess pieces by the NFL front offices. But for players like Gardner-Johnson, they're full-on life changes. New cities, new schools, new routines. And sometimes, no chance to say goodbye.
That's why his son's question hits so hard. Because behind every professional athlete is a dad trying to help his kid make sense of something completely out of their control. CJGJ didn't bash Philly. He didn't talk about contracts. He just told the truth. That the part that hurt most wasn't leaving a locker room, it was having to explain that the green they wore with pride was now a memory.
Also read -

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Hindustan Times
4 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Packers say they can't use their youth as an excuse anymore as they aim for longer postseason run
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Over the last couple of seasons, the Green Bay Packers have produced the two youngest playoff teams of the past four-and-a-half decades. HT Image They believe they're now experienced enough to take the next step as they chase the franchise's first Super Bowl berth since the 2010 championship season. 'We're not a young team no more,' three-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Kenny Clark said Thursday after the Packers' second training camp workout. 'We can't use that excuse. We've got to get after it.' Clark's point is debatable, because Green Bay still has plenty of youth. The only Packers in their 30s are 33-year-old kicker Brandon McManus and 30-year-old long snapper Matt Orzech, though Clark and offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins will both reach that milestone this season. But it's a more tested group than the Packers had the last couple of years. The Packers went 11-7 and lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC wild-card round last season with a roster that had a weighted age of 25.72 according to Elias Sports Bureau, making it the second-youngest team to reach the postseason in the last 45 years. The only younger team to do it was the 2023 Packers squad that went 10-9 and reached the NFC divisional round with a weighted age of 25.58. Weighted age is a statistic Elias uses that takes into consideration how much playing time each player receives. When the Packers' playoff run last season ended one round earlier than it had the previous year, general manager Brian Gutekunst discussed the need to 'ramp up our sense of urgency,' a remark that garnered plenty of attention. There's a clear sense that the Packers are in the midst of a championship-contending window and need to capitalize. 'I know you guys made a lot about that comment, and really what that was about was I think, we had a lot of young players that have played a lot of football and they're very experienced,' Gutekunst said. 'But us old guys that have been in this league for a long time understand the opportunities that you have in this league … you don't have a lot of them. So the understanding of that, I think, takes a little time, and there's where I think the urgency for me is. 'You've got to understand what's in front of us. We've got a really good football team, the capability of being there, and you've got to take advantage of that.' The Packers have reason to feel good about their chances as they enter their seventh season under Matt LaFleur, whose 67-33 record gives him a winning percentage that ranks him behind only Philadelphia's Nick Sirianni and the Los Angeles Chargers' Jim Harbaugh among active coaches with at least 50 games. Quarterback Jordan Love is a third-year starter entering his prime at 26. Josh Jacobs is coming off a Pro Bowl season in which he rushed for 1,329 yards. The Packers return six players who caught at least 29 passes, though Christian Watson figures to miss much of the season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in the 2023 regular-season finale. On defense, the Packers return their six leading tacklers from last season as well as Rashan Gary, who had a team-high 7½ sacks, as they enter their second year under coordinator Jeff Hafley. The key is playing better within the division. Green Bay's 1-5 record against NFC North opponents last year gave them their worst divisional record since 2005, when they also were 1-5 in those games. The Packers had gone 22-8 in NFC North games under LaFleur before last season. 'I feel like if we uphold the standard and play to how we know we should play, I feel like we've got a Super Bowl team,' offensive tackle Rasheed Walker said. 'I know we've got a playoff team, but I feel like we've got the potential to go all the way to the Super Bowl.' NOTES: LaFleur said former Denver Broncos head coach and New York Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett will 'be in and out throughout the course of the year' filling an analyst role for Green Bay's defense. Hackett was an offensive coordinator on LaFleur's Packers staff from 2019-21. … LB Quay Walker was taken off the physically unable to perform list, though he is only limited to walk-through participation in Thursday's practice as he recovers from an ankle injury. … The Packers unveiled new alternate uniforms based on what they wore in 1923, their first year as a publicly owned franchise. The Packers haven't indicated in which game they'll wear the alternate uniforms this season. ___ AP NFL:


Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Andy Reid praises Travis Kelce's stunning new look after major offseason transformation
Andy Reid praises Travis Kelce's stunning new look after major offseason transformation (Image Via X) Head coach Andy Reid made a startling statement when the Kansas City Chiefs started training camp on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in St. Joseph, Missouri. He said Travis Kelce is in fantastic shape and looks to be 20 years old once more. Fans wondered what Andy Reid meant. The coach praised Travis Kelce's body transformation without revealing details in the first moment, building suspense. Andy Reid's words hinted something special had happened off-season. Readers now want to know what changed, when it happened, and how Travis Kelce looks and feels heading into his 13th NFL season. Andy Reid on Travis Kelce's shape and look On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the Kansas City Chiefs' opening training camp in St. Joseph, Missouri, head coach Andy Reid described Travis Kelce as 'svelte' and said 'he looks like he's 20'. Andy Reid added Travis Kelce shows visible burst and seems rejuvenated as he nears age 36. Andy Reid also noted Travis Kelce's workout commitment, calling him in 'great shape' and said Kelce has clearly worked hard on his body over the offseason. Travis Kelce's offseason changes and context Travis Kelce, the 35‑year‑old tight end entering his 13th NFL season, lost about 25 pounds during the offseason through focused training and diet work in Florida. He revealed in May 2025 at an event in New York City he had lost weight and felt better physically. Although some reports say he lost 25 lbs, Kelce clarified in June he never claimed exactly that number and told reporters, 'Don't believe everything you read on the internet,' while confirming he is 'down some weight' since last season. This weight loss comes after a disappointing 2024 season for Kelce, when he had his lowest yardage total (823 yards) and only three regular‑season touchdowns, and the Kansas City Chiefs lost Super Bowl LIX 40‑22 to the Eagles on February 9, 2025, in New Orleans. Also Read: Travis Kelce lost weight in the offseason and now moves quicker, according to coaches and reporters. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!


Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Rough start? Aaron Rodgers intercepted on first throw with Steelers and his response is going viral
Aaron Rodgers throws interception on first Steelers practice play and his response is going viral. (Michael Owens / Getty Images file) It didn't take long for Steelers fans to witness peak Aaron Rodgers. Literally one throw in, and he was picked off. And while critics had a field day online, Rodgers' own reaction? Vintage cool. Aaron Rodgers' very first pass at Steelers camp ends in a pick and it was caught on video So, here's the scene: It's Day 1 of Pittsburgh Steelers training camp. Aaron Rodgers is in black and yellow, slinging his first official throw in 7-on-7s. And right off the bat, he's intercepted. — barstoolsports (@barstoolsports) The pass was aimed for DK Metcalf, but Patrick Queen read it perfectly, snagging the ball and flipping momentum instantly. Fans in attendance, media covering the event, and now the internet, everyone saw it. That clip? It's already everywhere. And it's being used to either clown Rodgers or hype up Queen's offseason arrival. Pick your narrative. Not long after the interception drama, a quote surfaced that perfectly sums up Aaron Rodgers' chill energy. According to multiple social media accounts, Rodgers reportedly said: 'It's good to get that out the way. I'm going to throw some picks, but I'm going to throw some touchdowns too.' Now, this wasn't from a formal press conference. No ESPN mic caught it. But the quote has been widely shared by NFL fans and insider accounts, and it sounds very much like something Rodgers would drop casually. Steelers QB battle? Mason Rudolph came out looking sharp While Rodgers had a rocky first rep, Mason Rudolph apparently balled out with the second team. Reports say Rudolph went 4-for-4, perfectly efficient while running the backup offense. Now, no one's expecting a full-on QB controversy in Pittsburgh, Rodgers was brought in to be QB1 but the optics of the first day? A little spicy. And you know Steelers fans are watching everything. Aaron Rodgers getting picked off on his first Steelers throw is the kind of storyline NFL fans eat up. Does it mean anything big long-term? Probably not. But the vibes, the quote, and the immediate firestorm prove one thing: Rodgers in Pittsburgh is going to be a must-watch, every single practice. FAQs: Who is Aaron Rodgers competing with for the starting job? Aaron Rodgers is the clear starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers and is not competing with anyone. What's Aaron Rodgers' contract with the Steelers? Aaron Rodgers signed a one-year, $13.7 million contract that includes $10 million guaranteed with the Steelers. How is Patrick Queen fitting into the Steelers defense? Extremely well, if Day 1 is any indicator. The former Ravens linebacker is already making impact plays. Also read - Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce haven't slept since Super Bowl loss, says Tyrann Mathieu For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!