Former Cocoa Star, Super Bowl Champion CJ Gardner-Johnson Traded to Houston Texans
By Space Coast Daily // March 11, 2025
2020 Space Coast Sports Hall of Famer
2020 SPACE COAST SPORTS HALL OF FAME: Philadelphia Eagles starting safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson Recognized as Among Best Defensive Back’s in the NFL. (Video aired in 2020)
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Super Bowl 59 Champion, former Cocoa Tiger Superstar and Space Coast Hall of Famer Chauncey Gardner-Johnson was traded from Philadelphia Eagles to Houston Texans on Tuesday.
As the NFL off-season is underway, notable players have been signed and traded. One of the biggest trades through the off-season so far is none other than former Cocoa Star, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson.
Gardner-Johnson is coming off a great season with the Philadelphia Eagles where he totaled 59 tackles, 1 forced fumble, and 6 interceptions including 1 “pick-six.” The Philadelphia Eagles traded Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and a sixth-round pick to the Houston Texans for Offensive Guard, Kenyon Green and a fifth-round pick.
Gardner-Johnson had returned to Philadelphia on a three-year $27 million contract after a short stint with the Detroit Lions.
Gardner-Johnson took to ‘X’ to thank the Eagles organization, teammates, and fans for his time in ‘Brotherly Love’.
— C.J. Gardner-Johnson (@CGJXXIII) March 11, 2025
CJ Gardner-Johnson, the former Cocoa Tiger and Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame 2020 inductee, has etched his name in football history after helping the Philadelphia Eagles secure a dominant 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX.
The championship win, played at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, marks Gardner-Johnson’s first Super Bowl ring in his impressive NFL career.
The hard-hitting safety played a crucial role in the Eagles’ defensive success, delivering key plays that helped stifle Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ high-powered offense.
Known for his versatility and relentless energy, Gardner-Johnson’s impact was felt throughout the game, showcasing the skills that made him a standout in both college and professional football.
Adding an extra layer of drama to the matchup, Gardner-Johnson faced off against his former teammate, right tackle Jawaan Taylor, who lined up for the Chiefs.
While Taylor worked to protect Mahomes in the trenches, Gardner-Johnson and the Eagles’ defense put relentless pressure on the star quarterback, forcing key turnovers and limiting Kansas City’s explosive playmaking abilities.
For Gardner-Johnson, the road to this moment has been marked by perseverance, talent, and a deep-rooted passion for the game. After an outstanding collegiate career at the University of Florida, he made his mark in the NFL as a defensive playmaker, earning a reputation for his swagger and ability to perform in clutch moments.
His Super Bowl victory cements his legacy and serves as a proud moment for the Space Coast community, where his journey first began.
With a Super Bowl ring now in his collection, Gardner-Johnson’s career continues to ascend, and his hometown of Cocoa, Florida, couldn’t be prouder.
From his early days as a Cocoa Tiger to the grandest stage in professional football, he has proven that determination and hard work lead to greatness.
As the celebrations begin in Philadelphia, Gardner-Johnson’s achievement will be remembered not just as a personal milestone but as an inspiration for young athletes who dream of reaching the pinnacle of the sport.
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson’s journey from the fields of Cocoa, Florida, to the bright lights of the NFL playoffs continues as he prepares to take the field as the starting safety for the Philadelphia Eagles in a critical postseason showdown against the Green Bay Packers.
From Cocoa Tiger to NFL Playmaker
Gardner-Johnson’s rise to stardom began at Cocoa High School, where he excelled as a two-way player. As a senior, he helped lead the Tigers to a state semifinal appearance, earning the title of 2015 Space Coast Daily – Friday Night Locker Room Prep Football Player of the Year. Known for his shutdown ability on defense, he recorded 31 solo tackles, four sacks, and two interceptions that season, while also racking up nearly 1,000 all-purpose yards and 11 touchdowns on offense.
His standout high school career earned him national recognition, with ESPN ranking him No. 84 on their Top 300 list and 247Sports naming him the No. 4 player in Florida.
Dominating at Florida
Gardner-Johnson continued his trajectory at the University of Florida, where he quickly became a defensive anchor for the Gators.
In his freshman year, he was named MVP of the 2017 Outback Bowl after recording two interceptions, including a pick-six.
Over his collegiate career, he totaled 161 tackles, nine interceptions, and 12 tackles-for-loss before declaring for the 2019 NFL Draft.
NFL Journey and Impact
Drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round, Gardner-Johnson wasted no time making an impact. His impressive rookie season earned him a spot on the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team.
Now a key player for the Eagles, Gardner-Johnson has solidified himself as one of the league’s top young safeties, combining versatility, physicality, and a knack for making big plays.
