C.J. Gardner-Johnson Proving He Should Be Feared

How the veteran safety plans to elevate his teammates in training camp.

Detroit Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson had a strong day during the team's joint practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars Wednesday. 

The veteran served as the tone-setter, delivering multiple big hits to opponents. He jarred the ball loose multiple times, including a thump on former Lion Jamal Agnew. 

As it has for much of camp, his energy and attitude fed into that of his teammates. 

"Lead by example and lead by action," Gardner-Johnson told reporters after practice. "Everybody wants to talk, but when you back it up you can talk as much crap as you want to. I think when I play at a high level, it feeds into my teammates. Offense, I heard they had a pretty good day today. Defense, we had three deep balls, but other than that, out of a two-hour practice only had three deep balls -- I'm cool with that. But we can always get better. Already see myself making impact plays, those energizers for the team." 

He tied for the league lead in interceptions last season with the Philadelphia Eagles. However, he wants to be known for much more than his ability to make plays against passers. 

As a result, the big hits like ones he displayed Wednesday can be expected going forward. 

"To be the most feared DB in the league, you've got to be able to tackle," the safety said. "So you practice it, practice it, practice it. On the bag, on the bag, on the bag, teammates. When you go against an opponent, apply it and it works, keep practicing it and keep working at it."

He proved his tackling prowess with hits like the one on Agnew, who felt his presence.

“He’s a major competitor. Look at him right here. Yeah, he’s a major competitor but you need that," Agnew told AllLions after practice. "Every team needs somebody like him. A dog that’s gonna go out there and talk, but back it up with his play. That’s something we need to go against. He’s a great player. We’ve got great players and it was competitive today.” 

Another element of his game that has been feeding into his fellow defenders has been his chatter. Not only has he shown to be an excellent communicator with his teammates, but he has brought a level of swagger and trash-talk. 

Aiming to motivate his teammates, he isn't afraid to speak his mind in an effort to bring up those around him. 

This was evident Wednesday, as he traded verbal jabs with Jacksonville wideout Calvin Ridley throughout practice.

Because of the frequency of his talk, he was asked if there was ever a situation in which he wasn't open to verbal sparring with an opponent or competitor. 

"Sleep. Every time I wake up, like I'm cutting the car on," Gardner-Johnson explained. "Just gotta keep going until the car run on empty. But this is the gas station, so I guess I'm fueled up every day." 

Branch's emergence

Rookie safety Brian Branch has excelled throughout the early stages of training camp. 

He's caught plenty of eyes and has moved up the depth chart as a result. This has allowed Gardner-Johnson to spend more time playing as a traditional safety while Branch assumes the nickel responsibilities. 

"Stud. Star. That's what you want from any rookie that you expect a lot out of," the veteran said. "He's over-exceeding expectations, the ceiling, he's out playing. Just want to see him continue to get better and fight through camp."