Former Cocoa Tiger Chauncey Gardner-Johnson Takes Cheap Shot Punch from Chicago Wide Receiver

By Space Coast Daily // November 1, 2020

Chauncey Gardner-Johnson was not injured in the incident

Absolutely no one:

Javon Wims: pic.twitter.com/x9ysum2ElV

— Barstool Chicago (@barstoolchicago) November 1, 2020

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – Former Cocoa Tiger and current New Orleans Saints defensive back was victim to a cheap shot punch by a Chicago Bears wide receiver Javon Wims on Sunday that left a national viewing audience stunned by the incident.

The incident happened in the third quarter with the score tied at 13-13 after an incompletion by Nick Foles.

Wims received an unsportsmanlike penalty and was ejected from the game for the incident.

Gardner-Johnson was not injured on the play and returned to the field of play on the next play.

Wims is expected to receive a steep penalty by the NFL office on Monday and could be suspended multiple weeks for the incident.

2020 SPACE COAST SPORTS HALL OF FAME: High Impact New Orleans Saints Player Chauncey Gardner-Johnson from Cocoa Tigers Football Recognized as Among Best Young Players in NFL.

CHAUNCEY GARDNER-JOHNSON PROFILE

2020 SPACE COAST SPORTS HALL OF FAME: High Impact New Orleans Saints Player Chauncey Gardner-Johnson from Cocoa Tigers Football Recognized as Among Best Young Players in NFL.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Former Cocoa Tiger and Florida Gator Chauncey Gardner-Johnson has been a high impact player ever since beginning his career on the youth football fields of Brevard County, right up to his selection to the Pro Football Writers Association 2019 All-Rookie Team.

During his senior year at Cocoa High School, the 2015 Space Coast Daily – Friday Night Locker Room Prep Football Player of the Year helped guide the Tigers to a 10-3 record and a spot in the state semifinal game.

Playing in the Tigers defensive secondary, Gardner-Johnson shut down half the field against opposing high school quarterbacks, as he registered 31 solo tackles, 55 total tackles, four sacks and two interceptions in 2015.

Gardner-Johnson was also a force on offense for the then Tigers’ head coach John Wilkinson as he churned out 927 all-purpose yards and 11 touchdowns, and was frequently seen returning kickoffs for touchdowns.

Former Cocoa Tiger and Florida Gator Chauncey Gardner-Johnson has been a high impact player ever since beginning his career on the youth football fields of Brevard County, right up to his recent selection to the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team. (New Orleans Saints video image)

He was listed as the 84th best high school prospect on ESPN’s Top 300 list, was ranked the No. 42 overall player in the country and No.4 ranked player in the state of Florida by the 247 Sports Recruiting Composite.

The much sought after Gardner-Johnson decided to take his considerable talents to the University of Florida to play for the Gators.

SPACE COAST DAILY – FRIDAY NIGHT LOCKER ROOM 2015 PREP PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Chauncey Gardner-Johnson helped guide the Cocoa Tigers to a 10-3 record and was listed as the 84th best high school prospect on ESPN’s Top 300 list. (Image for Space Coast Daily)

Always the impact player, Gardner-Johnson led the Gators with eight special teams tackles and totaled 32 tackles, three pass breakups, three interceptions (one returned for a touchdown) and a half tackle-for-loss in his first season in Gainesville.

The 6-foot, 208-pound Gardner-Johnson appeared in every game during his three years at Florida and started 25 times in the Gators secondary.

As a true freshman at Florida, Gardner-Johnson appeared in all 13 games, making starts in the final 3 games of the season. During the 2017 Outback Bowl, Gardner-Johnson had 2 tackles and 2 interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown, he was named the MVP of the Outback Bowl.

During his sophomore season at UF, Gardner-Johnson started in all 11 games, totaling 58 tackles, two interceptions, seven pass breakups, six tackles-for-loss, and one sack.

Before his junior season, Gardner-Johnson was moved to the Nickleback position and in November 2018, he announced that he would forgo his final year of eligibility and declare his eligibility for the 2019 NFL Draft.

Before his junior season at the University of Florida, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson was moved to the Nickleback position and in November 2018, he announced that he would forgo his final year of eligibility and declare his eligibility for the 2019 NFL Draft.

Gardner-Johnson was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round (105th overall) and then played in all 16 games during his rookie season, starting in seven at defensive back for the Saints.

He had 46 tackles, one interception, forced one fumble, four quarterback hits and defended 8 passes.

In a Week 13 game against the Atlanta Falcons on Thanksgiving Day, Gardner-Johnson recorded his first career interception off a pass thrown by Matt Ryan in the 26–18 win.

In week 16 against the Tennessee Titans, Gardner-Johnson recorded 8 tackles and forced a fumble on wide receiver Kalif Raymond which he recovered during the 38–28 win.

For his outstanding play during the 2019 National Football League season, Gardner-Johnson was selected to the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team.

When he declared his availability for the 2019 NFL Draft, Gardner -Johnson remembered those here on the Space Coast that helped him achieve his goals.

Gardner-Johnson recognized his family and friends and thanked former Cocoa Tigers head coach John Wilkinson, his youth football coach Alex Goins and former NFL player and Cocoa Tiger James Folston for their support and encouragement.