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Texans release safety after three games following reported training camp dispute
The Houston Texans cut safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson in September 2025 after three games. Gardner-Johnson said the release followed a training camp clash involving a person outside the organization. He later joined another team’s practice squad before signing with a new club in March.
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The Houston Texans released safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson in September 2025 after he appeared in three games. Gardner-Johnson said the decision stemmed from an incident during training camp at Greenbrier. In an interview with The Athletic published Friday, Gardner-Johnson described the sequence.
He said a person outside the organization called him a derogatory term, he responded, and the individual then spoke with the general manager. "That’s how I got [cut] in Houston. One person that’s not technically a part of the organization called me a B-word at Greenbrier.
I get out my body; he says something to the GM, and the next thing I’m cut," Gardner-Johnson said. The Texans acquired Gardner-Johnson in a March 2025 trade with the Eagles. The team released him after three regular-season games.
Team statements Texans general manager Nick Caserio said the release followed an unsuccessful attempt to add the player. "In the end, took a shot on goal. Didn’t work out, move on, and let’s focus on the rest of the team and the players that are here," Caserio said.
Caserio added there was nothing more to the decision and wished Gardner-Johnson well. Gardner-Johnson joined another team’s practice squad for one week before signing a one-year, $6 million contract in March.
