Gardner-Johnson: 'We've Got the Most Ruthless Fans in the Game'

C.J. Gardner-Johnson is motivated to make his home debut.

Detroit Lions fans became notorious during their toughest stretches by adorning their heads with brown paper bags.  

After a victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1, safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson believes the attire could be changed to a blue ski mask. 

Gardner-Johnson was observed wearing one during the team's celebration after last week's victory, which could lead to fans adopting the style while cheering on their team in the home opener Sunday. 

"You gonna see on Sunday, blue ski masks everywhere," Gardner-Johnson said. 

"Part of us, it's the culture. I'm changing it," he further elaborated when asked why fans should wear the attire. 

The Lions' fans displayed their support for their team in the season opener, as many made the trek to Arrowhead Stadium. The result was a sea of blue that exemplified just how supportive the fanbase is of its team. 

Their performance impressed newcomers like Gardner-Johnson, who was unfamiliar with the team's fan support after spending last season with the Philadelphia Eagles.

"From what I've seen, the crowd, we've probably got the most ruthless fans in the game," the veteran safety said. "So, I think, from talking crap, they feed off of us, they yell the loudest and that was a home game for K.C. They just love their Lions team, so the more we win, the more we'll see true Lions fans." 

C.J. Gardner-Johnson on Detroit Lions fans: "From what I've seen in the crowd, we've probably got the most ruthless fans in the game." pic.twitter.com/EiutTkCeLn

— Kory E. Woods (@KoryEWoods) September 12, 2023

'All-time fun'

Gardner-Johnson has revitalized the Lions' secondary with his energy. He is routinely observed motivating teammates with trash talk directed at opponents, in an effort to light a fire with his peers. 

Many wondered why the veteran would come to Detroit after failing to reach a long-term deal elsewhere. However, he reiterated Tuesday that his decision was a result of a relationship built with Dan Campbell and Aaron Glenn during his time with the New Orleans Saints. 

"You see when I was in New Orleans and he coached, and now he's head coach, you see what he's doing, that's why I'm here," Gardner-Johnson explained. "I just love being apart of something that's real. Again, I think a lot of guys get misconstrued, 'You're just here for money and all that.' Nah. I'm out there having fun. Football right now is at an all-time fun for me. Forget the money." 

He nearly corralled a pair of interceptions against the Chiefs. Heading into Sunday's game against Seattle, he plans to complete those plays and finish the takeaways. 

"Watching Sunday Night Football and Monday Night Football kinda pissed me off," the former Eagles defensive back said. "Because I'm like, dang, you fall behind. But, the thing about football and the NFL is it's 17 weeks, so you've got time to get back on pace. I'm not worried about interceptions. I'm worried about winning games, keeping my coaches and teammates happy and everything else will just flow. Respect the grass, and the grass respects you."