The NFL world was taken aback after Detroit Lion’s safety CJ Gardner-Johnson made a surprising move by changing his name. He’s returned to the city after pectoral surgery and a change in his position as well.
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The former Florida athlete made an official name-change announcement on X, receiving support from many fans, while some trolled him for the unexpected move. CJ-Gardner-Johnson returned to the Lions facility during his pec rehab, showing support for the defense and bonding with teammates. Notably, this isn’t his first attempt at a name transformation.
CJ Gardner-Johnson’s Name Change Announcement Sparks Frenzy
At the age of 25, CJ Gardner-Johnson initially modified his name in December 2017 while with the Florida Gators, as a gesture to honor his stepfather, Brian Johnson. However, three years later, he’s embracing a new name. Gardner-Johnson took to social media and revealed he is changing his name to ‘Ceedy Duce,’ mentioning that court documents are in progress.
Officially changing my name to Ceedy Duce court documents otw 🙏🏾💯
— C.J. Gardner-Johnson (@CGJXXIII) October 27, 2023
Fans responses on X have been varied, with one fan reigniting a feud with Deebo Samuel, suggesting that the name change won’t affect their ongoing rivalry. The feud traces back to a skirmish between the Cleveland Browns and the San Fransisco 49ers, where CJ-Gardner trolled Samuel for his involvement in a pre-game fight.
“This won’t protect you from Deebo,” said the fan, replying to CJ-Gardner-Johnson’s tweet.
This won’t protect you from Deebo
— Football enjoyer (@avgfootballnjyr) October 27, 2023
Some other fans reacted:
“Changing names like online gamertags,”
Changing names like online gamertag’s 😭😭😭
— BengalsHead (@BengalsHead) October 27, 2023
“Bro had a cool name and ruined it,” a fan expressed his disappointment.
Bro had a cool name and ruined it 😭
— JETSFLIGHTLINE ✈️ (@jetsflightline) October 27, 2023
“Ceedy smells like a Deuce?” another fan added a hint of humor.
Ceedy smells like a Deuce?
— Eagles (@2018SBChamps) October 27, 2023
“That Duce jersey gonna go crazy,” one of the fans appreciated CJ’s move.
That Duce jersey gonna go crazy
— jon-paris (Lions 5-2) (@LoganCarneal_) October 27, 2023
What Happened Between CJ Gardner-Johnson and Deebo Samuel?
The feud that ignited between CJ-Gardner-Johnson and Deebo Samuel traces its roots back to Gardner-Johnson’s comments about a pregame brawl involving the 49ers and Cleveland Browns. He hinted that Samuel shied away, sparking a heated exchange. CJ did not stop there, he went on to criticize Samuel’s route-running abilities. CJ-Gardner said,
“Don’t be friendly when you see me. You better hope all that talk you’re doing when we see you all, whatever [playoff] round that may be — because I can guard you. You can’t run routes. You’re a running back. I ain’t gonna sit here and play with you, little boy.”
Talk about rent free: #Lions CJ Gardner Johnson went on IG Live to talk trash about #49ers WR Deebo Samuel 👀
🎥: @NFLRT pic.twitter.com/ZPZgaGh3N2
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) October 17, 2023
In response, Samuel dismissed the feud, suggesting it might stem from jealousy due to his success and wealth. It’s a drama-filled showdown in the NFL. Samuel told FanDuel TV, Up & Adams:
“What’s so crazy is I have no idea where it came from. It just sounds like he’s mad I got a little bag and a lot of money and nobody knows who he is. I ain’t gonna speak too much on it. That s— is over with. I was laughing the whole time.”
“He just sound like he’s mad I got a little bag and a lot of money and no one knows who he is” 😳
Deebo Samuel on C. J. Gardner-Johnson@heykayadams pic.twitter.com/WfXgTDpMD4
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) October 18, 2023
However, it didn’t end there as the two engaged in some back-and-forth after the Week 6 matchup between the Browns and the 49ers. CJ Gardner once more went up in arms against the 49ers WR but was quickly shut down by Samuels, in a hilarious Twitter showdown.