Lions’ C.J. Gardner-Johnson Hints at Return From IR With ‘The Simpsons’ Reference

The NFL's 2022 co-leader in interceptions hasn't played since Sept. 17.

The writing is on the wall for Lions defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson's return from the injured reserve.

Detroit coach Dan Campbell hinted at it on Monday. Gardner-Johnson’s return would be welcome news for the team; he hasn’t played since tearing a pectoral during the Lions’ 37–31 overtime loss to the Seahawks on Sept. 17.

On Wednesday, Gardner-Johnson turned to one of television's most beloved shows to further hint at a comeback: The Simpsons.

The Florida product posted a video from the 1992 episode “Dog of Death” showing a hamster being administered defibrillation, as well as a mock-up newspaper headline from the Spider-Man franchise reading, "He's back! Masked menace returns!"

Crucially, Gardner-Johnson did not show the end result of the hamster's attempted resuscitation. The veterinarian solemnly declares the hamster dead and nonchalantly throws it into the trash, which is outfitted with a basketball hoop.

The defensive back is in his first season with Detroit after three with the Saints and one with the Eagles. His six interceptions in 2022 tied for the league lead.