C.J. Gardner-Johnson, a dynamic NFL safety known for his tenacity and playmaking ability, has become a household name in professional football.
From his early days at the University of Florida to his Super Bowl appearances with the Philadelphia Eagles, Gardner-Johnson’s journey is marked by resilience and standout performances.
This article breaks down his net worth, contract details, career earnings, and personal life.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Chauncey Gardner-Johnson |
| Nickname | “Ceedy Duce” |
| Born | December 20, 1997 (Cocoa, Florida) |
| Age (2025) | 27 years old |
| College | University of Florida |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5’11” (180 cm) |
| Turned Pro | 2019 (Drafted by New Orleans Saints, Round 4, Pick 105) |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $45 million |
| Salary (2025) | $8.5 million (base + bonuses) |
| Relationship Status | Single; has children with multiple partners |
| Instagram Profile | @ceedynation |
Early Career
C.J. Gardner-Johnson grew up in Cocoa, Florida, raised by his mother, Del Johnson, and stepfather, Brian Johnson, who became pivotal figures in his life. He legally changed his surname to honor his stepfather, stating, “He’s been my dad since I was three.”
At the University of Florida, Gardner-Johnson made an immediate impact as a freshman, earning MVP honors in the 2017 Outback Bowl after intercepting two passes, including a pick-six. His versatility at nickelback and safety caught NFL scouts’ attention, leading to his selection by the New Orleans Saints in 2019.
Professional Career
Gardner-Johnson’s NFL journey began with the Saints, where he quickly became a defensive staple, recording 49 tackles and 8 pass deflections as a rookie.
In 2022, he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he led the league with 6 interceptions and helped the team reach Super Bowl LVII.
A brief stint with the Detroit Lions in 2023 was marred by a torn pectoral muscle, but he rebounded in 2024 by re-signing with the Eagles on a three-year, $27 million contract.
Known for his agility and instincts, he has tallied 12 career interceptions and 245 tackles as of 2025.
C.J. Gardner Johnson’s Net Worth Details
C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s net worth is estimated to be $45 million as of 2025, fueled by NFL contracts, endorsements, and investments.
Contract and Salary
In March 2024, Gardner-Johnson signed a three-year, $27 million deal with the Eagles, including $10 million guaranteed. The contract features a $6.08 million option bonus for 2025 and performance incentives for interceptions and Pro Bowl selections.
Salary Breakdown
- 2024: $8.5 million (base: $1.375M + signing bonus: $5.775M)
- 2025: $8.5 million (base: $1.67M + option bonus: $6.08M)
- 2026: $10.5 million (base: $1.3M + option bonus: $8.95M)
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | New Orleans Saints | $1.28 million |
| 2020 | New Orleans Saints | $675,000 |
| 2021 | New Orleans Saints | $850,000 |
| 2022 | Philadelphia Eagles | $2.54 million |
| 2023 | Detroit Lions | $6.5 million |
| 2024 | Philadelphia Eagles | $8.5 million |
| Total | $20.34 million |
Endorsements
Gardner-Johnson partners with Nike, Pepsi, and Beats by Dre. His charismatic personality has also landed him features in video games like Madden NFL.
Career Stats
Defensive
| Year | Team | GP | Total Tackles | Solo Tackles | Assists | Sacks | Passes Defended (PD) | Interceptions (INT) | INT Yards | TDs | Longest INT Return (LNG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | New Orleans Saints | 16 | 49 | 38 | 11 | 0.0 | 8 | 1 | 28 | 0 | 28 |
| 2020 | New Orleans Saints | 15 | 66 | 52 | 14 | 1.0 | 13 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| 2021 | New Orleans Saints | 12 | 46 | 32 | 14 | 2.0 | 7 | 3 | 45 | 0 | 26 |
| 2022 | Philadelphia Eagles | 12 | 67 | 61 | 6 | 1.0 | 8 | 6 | 54 | 0 | 25 |
| 2023 | Detroit Lions | 3 | 17 | 16 | 1 | 0.0 | 3 | 1 | – | – | – |
| 2024 | Philadelphia Eagles | 16 | 59 | 35 | 24 | 0.0 | 12 | 6 | 116 | 1 | 69 |
| Career | 74 304 234 70 4.0 51 18 246 1 69 |
Fumble
| Year | GP | Forced Fumbles (FF) | Fumble Recoveries (FR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Career | – | 2 | 1 |
C.J. Gardner-Johnson has been a highly effective defensive back, known for his versatility, ball-hawking skills, and ability to make impactful plays in coverage. His standout seasons include leading the league in interceptions in both the 2022 and 2024 seasons with six each.
FAQs
1. When was C.J. Gardner-Johnson drafted into the NFL?
C.J. Gardner-Johnson was selected in the fourth round (105th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. He spent his first three seasons with the Saints before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022 and later joining the Detroit Lions in 2023.
2. Which teams has C.J. Gardner-Johnson played for?
Gardner-Johnson has played for the New Orleans Saints (2019–2021), Philadelphia Eagles (2022 and 2024–present), and Detroit Lions (2023). He returned to the Eagles in 2024 on a three-year, $33 million contract after a brief stint in Detroit.
3. What college did C.J. Gardner-Johnson attend?
He played college football at the University of Florida, where he recorded 161 tackles, nine interceptions, and three touchdowns. He was named MVP of the 2018 Outback Bowl after a standout performance with two interceptions, including a touchdown return.
4. What are C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s career NFL stats?
As of 2024, Gardner-Johnson has 304 tackles, 18 interceptions, and four sacks. His best season came in 2022 with the Eagles, where he tied for the NFL lead in interceptions (6) despite missing five games due to a lacerated kidney.
5. Why did C.J. Gardner-Johnson leave the Detroit Lions?
Gardner-Johnson accused the Lions of dishonesty, claiming they promised to re-sign him but did not. He described his 2023 season in Detroit as “hell,” citing limited playing time and a torn pectoral injury that sidelined him for 11 games before rejoining the Eagles in 2024.
6. What is C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s Madden NFL 25 rating?
In Madden NFL 25, he holds an 86 overall rating with 90 speed, 88 man coverage, and 76 hit power. His hybrid safety archetype reflects his versatility in coverage and tackling, making him a key defensive asset for the Eagles.
7. What records or achievements has C.J. Gardner-Johnson earned?
He set an NFL rookie record with a 61-yard field goal in 2017. With the Eagles, he became the first player since 1970 to record interceptions in five consecutive games (2022). He also won Super Bowl LVII with Philadelphia.
8. What injuries has C.J. Gardner-Johnson dealt with?
In 2023, he suffered a torn pectoral muscle in Week 2, missing 11 games. Earlier, a lacerated kidney sidelined him for five games in 2022. Despite these setbacks, he returned to full strength, earning praise for his rapid recovery and resilience.
9. What is C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s contract details with the Eagles?
His 2024 contract extension is a three-year deal worth up to $33 million, including $10 million guaranteed. The agreement features a $1.3 million base salary for 2024, with incentives tied to performance and roster bonuses in subsequent seasons.
10. What is C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s background and family history?
Raised in Cocoa, Florida, by his mother Del Johnson and stepfather Brian Johnson, Gardner-Johnson overcame a challenging childhood. His mother, a former foster care volunteer, detailed her struggles with addiction and recovery in her autobiography, Fighting to Win.
