Former Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson has spoken publicly about his sudden departure from the team, sharing an emotional message about feeling unsupported.
The Bills released Gardner-Johnson last week, one day after he returned from a one-game suspension for spitting on a Las Vegas Raiders player. The team had initially stood by the veteran safety but released him after the NFL issued its punishment.
## Gardner-Johnson Says He Felt Alone
In a message posted to his Instagram Stories, Gardner-Johnson said he felt that people had turned against him after his release.
“In just a couple of weeks, EVERYONE turned on me!” he wrote. “No friends, no real support, it sucks we live in a society where one move can cause a downfall to anything! If this the last time yall see my face or hear from me it’s cause you don’t understand the person, went through years of pain, alone, suffering trying to fit in, never got the same opportunity everybody else got!”
He also pushed back against criticism of his character, saying that claims about his attitude and conduct were not supported by “real stories.” He added that he hoped things would get better.
## Could Gardner-Johnson Find Another Team?
Gardner-Johnson remains available after his release, and some NFL observers believe he could join another team. He started every game for Buffalo before his departure and could be a lower-cost option for a team seeking help in its secondary.
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report identified Gardner-Johnson as a potential bargain free agent and suggested the Atlanta Falcons as a possible fit. Moton pointed to the safety’s versatility, while noting that teams may view him as a short-term addition rather than a long-term commitment.
