Former Saints fan favorite is joining forces with one of fans' most hated
Well, this wasn't something on my bingo card. Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, former New Orleans Saints Safety CJ Gardner-Johnson is signing to the Chicago Bears active roster. He'll be rejoining his former defensive coordinator and man who traded him in 2022, Dennis Allen.
He'll be reuniting with many former Saints players in the windy city; however, the most notable reunion is the one he'll have with Allen. Back when Gardner-Johnson was stepping onto the field in black and gold, his defensive coordinator then was also Dennis Allen. The seventh-year man has effectively gone back to his roots.
Chicago won't be the only city Gardner-Johnson has played for in 2025. At the beginning of the season, he was in Houston with the Texans before being released in the last week of September. He would then be singing "Good Morning Baltimore", but only for a week before being cut yet again. "Football has always been a big part of who I am, and my passion for the game is still strong," the safety said after being released by the Ravens. "I’m excited to keep working, keep improving..."
Chauncey Gardner-Johnson's journey since leaving the Crescent City
CJ Gardner-Johnson, when playing for the Saints, was an icon, a legend, and the moment in New Orleans. The team's go-to hype man, the Super Dome cameras would pan to him during the game to get the fans riled up. That makes the way he left the team that much more disappointing.
You see, Gardner-Johnson was due for a new contract. Both he and the Saints wanted to work out a deal but could not come to an agreement on what the number would be; however, wanting more money than the team was offering him, Gardner-Johnson would refuse coaching, clashing with the staff during practices. "See, this is what you all wanted!" he reportedly shouted after coming up limping during a 7-7 drill.
A trade would be put together, and shortly thereafter, he was officially a former New Orleans Saint, being sent to Philadelphia for a fifth-round pick and a sixth-round pick on Aug. 30, 2022. Following a year with the Eagles, Gardner-Johnson would then sign a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions before turning right around and signing a three-year deal with the Eagles once the 2023 season was over. A month after winning Super Bowl LIX with Philly, he would be traded to the Texans.
Unfortunately for Gardner-Johnson, he would not last long in the Lone Star State, being cut just six months after the trade due to friction with the team. He would spend a week in Baltimore with the Ravens before veing released by them as well.
Now, he's in Chicago, but with the defensive coordinator who drafted him into this league. Maybe, just maybe, he still misses his time in New Orleans, because aside from the scenery, he's effectively back where he started.
J.J. McCarthy Donates $2 Million to Brave 9-Year-Old Boy Who Saved His Father's Life by Donating Stem Cells
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy has made an inspiring and generous gesture, donating $2 million to support a courageous 9-year-old boy who saved his father’s life by donating his stem cells. The act of selflessness by the young boy not only exemplified immense love and bravery but also captured the hearts of many, including McCarthy, who was moved by the family's story.
The young boy, who made the decision to undergo a stem cell donation procedure to save his father’s life, has become a symbol of love, strength, and family bond. His act of donating his stem cells not only provided his father with a second chance at life but also sparked a wave of admiration and support from people around the world.
“I was deeply moved when I heard about his story,” McCarthy said in a recent statement. “The courage and selflessness this young boy showed to save his father is beyond inspiring. I wanted to do my part to help them however I could, and I’m proud to contribute in this way.”
McCarthy’s $2 million donation is aimed at supporting the boy’s family in covering medical expenses, as well as funding further research into stem cell therapy and other life-saving treatments. The donation serves as both a personal gesture of compassion and an investment in a cause that McCarthy believes can have a lasting impact on many families in similar situations.
“I just hope this donation can bring some relief to their family and help raise awareness about the power of stem cell donations,” McCarthy added. “This young boy’s act of bravery reminded me of the importance of family and how far we should be willing to go for those we love.”
The donation has been met with widespread praise, with many applauding McCarthy for using his platform to make a difference beyond the football field. The boy’s story continues to inspire countless people, and McCarthy’s act of generosity is further proof of the incredible power of kindness and the bonds that unite families.
