Getty Image / Kevin Sabitus
Detroit Lions safety CJ Gardner-Johnson is one of the biggest trash-talkers in the NFL. The key offseason acquisition for the Detroit Lions’ defense is just as well known for his trash-talk than he is for his on-field play.
The Lions don’t care so much about that, as they’re in their first NFC Championship Game since 1992, with Gardner-Johnson a big reason why.
They will take on the San Francisco 49ers this weekend on the road for the chance at their first Super Bowl trip in franchise history. CJ Gardner-Johnson will have his hands full, as he will find himself matched up primarily against superstar tight end George Kittle and superstar running back Christian McCaffrey.
But, he took some time out of his busy preparation schedule to talk some smack to San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel. Take a look.
Throwback to when Lions C.J. Gardner-Johnson had a message for 49ers Deebo Samuel:
“Don’t be friendly when you see me… you can’t run routes, you’re a running back, you’re a running back.” 🍿😳
— NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) January 25, 2024
Those are certainly some pretty strong words by CJ Gardner-Johnson.
Yes, Deebo Samuel does have a lot of running back-type skills. He’s a powerful runner with the ball in his hands, and is one of the few receivers who can go through defensive players, even running over linebackers. He’s pretty shifty, too, and has great vision. San Francisco tries to get him the ball in a variety of ways due to this, including lining him up in the backfield sometimes alongside quarterback Brock Purdy and McCaffrey.
But, Deebo Samuel absolutely has some wide receiver skills, and they’re much-improved in the last few seasons. His route-running and awareness and knowledge of when and where to sit down in zones in Kyle Shanahan’s system have improved tremendously.
On the year, he had 892 yards receiving and seven touchdowns for a team that has more competition for touches than any other.
All this trash talk may not even matter. Samuel left the 49ers’ dramatic win over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional Round with a shoulder injury, and only made his return to practice on Thursday, where he was limited.