New Houston Texans safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson caused a stir earlier this week as he was one of several players not at OTAs. Now, OTAs are voluntary, and veteran players miss them for a variety of reasons.
That said, Texans fans were hoping to hear that Gardner-Johnson was there, given that this is his first year in Houston.
Well, the veteran defensive back must’ve heard the commotion on social media about him not being at OTAs, as he dropped a video on Instagram working out. In a video posted by the new Texans defensive back and shared on Twitter (h/t @TexansCommentator), he said, “Y’all been wondering why I haven’t been at OTAs and s***.. I been getting right. I been working.”
When Texans fans saw the video on social media, most were cool with his response as the veteran defensive back was seen doing various drills. Now, Texans fans didn’t like to see him wearing an Eagles shirt as they jokingly called it out, but they understand that he just finished playing in February, and OTAs are voluntary.
If you are Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans, you’d like to see Gardner-Johnson there at the practice facility for OTAs. But mandatory minicamp is on the horizon later this month, so that is more important for Gardner-Johnson and the rest of the veterans.
The veteran defensive back is expected to play a huge role in Houston’s secondary after a great 2024 season with the Eagles. Last year in Philadelphia, the standout ballhawk had 59 combined tackles, 12 pass deflections, six interceptions (one returned for a defensive touchdown), and a forced fumble.
Gardner-Johnson gave up his fair share of receiving touchdowns last season (8 – most in his career), but still possessed a 62.2 completion percentage allowed on targets, and an 89.0 pass rating allowed when targeted.
The Texans hope he won’t give up that many TDs this upcoming season, as he’ll be playing in a talented secondary that features Derek Stingley Jr., Jalen Pitre, Kamari Lassiter, and Calen Bullock.