NFL player C.J. Gardner-Johnson (L); Taylor Swift (R).Photo:Chris Szagola/AP; Neilson Barnard/Getty
Chris Szagola/AP; Neilson Barnard/Getty
The Philadelphia Eagles have traded safetyC.J. Gardner-Johnson— and Swifties are rejoicing.
The 27-year-old NFL safety was traded from the Eagles to the Houston Texans,NFL Network’s Ian Rapoportreported on Tuesday, just over one month after Gardner-Johnson put himself in hot water with fans ofTaylor Swiftafter winning the Super Bowl.
“The Eagles probably traded CJ Gardner-Johnson partly because of the Taylor Swift thing. Let’s not lie here,” one userwroteafter the trade was announced.
Anothersaid, “Taylor Swift somehow worked her magic to get CJ Gardner-Johnson traded out of Philly after that parade shirt.”
C.J. Gardner-Johnson #23 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on prior to the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lincoln Financial Field on October 2, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.Mitchell Leff/Getty
Gardner-Johnson — who once played alongsideJason Kelce, whose brother is Swift’s boyfriendTravis Kelce— caused controversy at the team’sSuper Bowl paradeon Friday, Feb. 14 when he wore asweatshirtthat read: “Swifties can LIX my balls.”
The crude garment came a few days after the former Eagles safety posted a photo of himself matching up against Kelce, 35, on the field to his Instagram Story on Feb. 10, one day after the Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl.
Gardner-Johnson mocked Kelce in the Story, insinuating he if he had stayed with his ex-girlfriend Kayla Nicole instead of dating Swift, he and the Chiefs would have won the Super Bowl.
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson during the Philadelphia Eagles vs Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl.Emilee Chinn/Getty
Emilee Chinn/Getty
The Eagles traded Gardner for Kenyon Green and a 2026 fifth-round pick. The Texans will also gain a a 2026 sixth-round draft pick, per NFL Network.
source: people.com