C.J. Gardner-Johnson: 'I'm Like the Flu'

C.J. Gardner-Johnson returned to practice on Day 6 of training camp.

The Detroit Lions are breaking in a secondary with plenty of new parts this offseason. As a result, they will be heavily evaluated as they develop together.

Though there's little they have together in terms of reps, these training camp practices can go a long way toward the development of chemistry between all the new players.

Among the emerging leaders is veteran safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who returned to practice on Day 6 of training camp, after an injury scare on Monday. 

"We understand each other," Gardner-Johnson said. "We have never played with each other, we haven't played a down of football together. Until we go out there, regular season game and see what we can do, then that's not gonna come. We have to understand what you can do now, as young guys, as old guys. Young team, you expect a lot. But, just give us time. Let it work."

A fiery C.J. Gardner-Johnson talks to the media after practice about getting back on the field. pic.twitter.com/tOPsyfMlCz

— Kory E. Woods (@KoryEWoods) July 29, 2023

Among the pieces in the secondary are young players, such as Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. Joseph is a second-year player, while Branch is entering his rookie season.

So far, the veteran has been impressed with what he's seen from the young players in the secondary.

"I love what they're doing," Gardner-Johnson stated. "They're trending up. I think they're understanding that this is just the beginning of something. You've got to put yourself first when it comes to your work. It's a team game, you want to get better for (your teammates), but the minute you half-step, but I haven't seen that from nobody. So, I think the young guys are really taking to AG (Aaron Glenn) and Dan's preaching. They're getting behind us. So, I think leading by example and doing the mental reps, it ain't always about the physical."

Gardner-Johnson was dealt a scare Monday when he went down with a leg injury. Though many initially feared the worst, his MRI came back clean, and allowed fans to breathe a sigh of relief.

When asked about his time away, the veteran defensive back discussed the importance of still being with the team and the value of mental reps. 

"It's very important, because I'm contagious. I'm like the flu. It's gonna go through your body, and you either get it or you don't get it," Gardner-Johnson said. "That's not because I'm cocky. No, I'm confident in my job. I'm confident in my coaches, my teammates, my coaches, the training room, my strength guys. That's why."

Gardner-Johnson indicated he really didn't miss out during his time away, as he was still very heavily involved with the secondary. 

"I was a part of practice every day. I'm mentally at practice. I don't think you understand the type of guy you've got here," the safety explained. "I ain't missed nothing, I ain't missing practice, I didn't miss a rep. I'm still out there. My teammates still see me. One thing people got to understand, this game of football, it ain't about being the best physically. You've got to be the best mentally." 

Bold opinion of Jameson Williams

The Detroit Lions' optimism for wide receiver Jameson Williams has remained steady throughout the hiccups he's experienced to start his career. 

The Alabama product provided a glimpse of his talents last season, and aims to be an unstoppable force when he returns to action in Week 7 of the upcoming season. 

He's already caught the eye of one of his team's leaders. The veteran safety said the young receiver belongs among the best in the NFL, even at this point of Williams' young career. 

"Jameson just a sick person, in general, and I'm not talking about in the bad way," Gardner-Johnson said. "He's just this all-type of player. But, when you can explain to guys like him the players you've been around, that has been in his position, he understands the magnitude. He already understood it, it's now that somebody is bringing it to you from their position. I don't know about y'all, but he is one of the best receivers in the game right now. Got to give him his flowers, right now. ... Working out with him every day, Jamo's ready."