The Buffalo Bills have released Super Bowl champion safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson after he served a suspension for spitting at an opponent. The incident occurred in the first half of the Bills' Week 6 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders.
Gardner-Johnson was ejected from that game for spitting at Raiders center Tyler Linderbaum and tight end Brock Bowers. Following the team's bye week, he served his suspension during their Week 8 win against the Baltimore Ravens. Initially, head coach Joe Brady indicated Gardner-Johnson would return to the starting lineup, but the team has since parted ways with the player.
"It’s hard enough to win enough in this league with 48 guys, much less 47. He knows that that can’t happen, it’s inexcusable, that’s not the standard that we’re going to have and play with," Brady said about the incident previously. "Those are the things that can’t happen on a football field. We want to toe the line in everything we do, but we can’t cross the line."
In six starts for the Bills this season, Gardner-Johnson recorded 26 tackles and one interception. His roster spot was filled by the signing of defensive back Te'Cory Couch on October 31.
Gardner-Johnson, who is in his eighth NFL season, has played for six teams. He won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024. In his career, he has registered 396 tackles, seven sacks, and 21 interceptions in 93 games.