The Bears’ signing of defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson raised eyebrows throughout the league because of his history as a challenging personality — they’re his third team this season — but so far, so good.
Gardner-Johnson has been excellent in his first two games filling in for Kyler Gordon at nickel back. He led the team Sunday in a 24-20 win over the Giants with nine tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble, following up on his Bears debut with a sack against the Bengals.
C.J. GARDNER-JOHNSON SACK 🗣️
(via @NFLonFOX) pic.twitter.com/5YK7J9MQ3a
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) November 9, 2025
“Narratives and scrutiny — when you’re around a great group of people, a great group of coaches that believe in you, all that goes out the window when they can see the person,” he said. “You come and just adapt and adjust and play right away and make an impact.”
Gardner-Johnson popped the ball loose from Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart at the end of a seven-yard run late in the third quarter to prevent at least a field goal.
He has made an immediate impact and has been a good fit in the locker room.
“Guys welcomed him with open arms, and that makes somebody feel comfortable,” safety Jaquan Brisker said. “That makes somebody feel that they can play fast, have fun, play with energy. We let him just be him.”
