Gardner-Johnson on Facing Chiefs: 'I Want to Spoil the Homecoming'

Why Detroit's new defensive back is excited for Week 1.

The Detroit Lions will begin their 2023 campaign on the national stage. 

Detroit's journey toward a NFC North title will begin with a nationally televised matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday, Sept. 7. 

The game carries heavy implications despite being early in the season. It's a chance for the Lions to live up to their national billing. 

For newly acquired safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, it's a chance at revenge. He played for the Philadelphia Eagles last season, which lost in the Super Bowl to the Chiefs. 

He doesn't view the game as a revenge showdown, but acknowledged that the game carries emotional weight after last season's defeat.

A Week 1 rematch vs his SB opponent?

"I got a chip on my shoulder." - @CGJXXIII

📺: @FanDuelTV | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/WmpV02bC5h

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) May 12, 2023

"Truthfully, honestly, no," Gardner-Johnson said during his recent appearance on "Up and Adams." "I can't like, it's gonna hurt to see them come out, Super Bowl champs and I just faced them. I'm gonna have to channel my emotions, so I can go out and play a good game. The guys on the team won't understand the magnitude of how I feel, because they weren't there with me. But, I'm still gonna bring the same intensity. I've got a chip on my shoulder, I want to beat them. I want to spoil the homecoming." 

Reunion with Saints staff

Gardner-Johnson first came into contact with a pair of Lions coaches during their time with the New Orleans Saints. 

Lions head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn were both in New Orleans when the defensive back entered the league. 

He told host Kay Adams about his first meeting with the Lions after signing with the organization during the offseason. He noted that Detroit's third-year coach was excited to bring him in. 

"When he first saw me, he actually hugged me," Gardner-Johnson recounted. "We talked about 20 minutes, it was like how I feel, mentally, checking on me and just asking if I'm ready to go. Coming off a Super Bowl loss, mentally, it's a lot. But, I'm ready to get back to it and lead these young guys and get us where we need to be." 

The trio is together again heading into 2023, and the veteran safety is excited to team up with his former coaches. 

"I'm feeling good to be honest, back with (Glenn), back with Dan," Gardner-Johnson said. "I think the most exciting thing about being here is that these guys have bigger roles. I'm used to them being position coach, to head coach, to a coordinator. So, I think hearing that voice more, seeing what they can do. Being a part of that and gathering these young guys, so we can win some games and continue to get better." 

Last season, the versatile defender was a vital part of the Eagles' success. He tied for the league lead with six interceptions, and notched 67 tackles, five of which were for loss.

Now, he's expected to bring a similar impact to an overhauled Detroit secondary. Gardner-Johnson was one of three free-agent defensive backs to sign with the Lions, joining Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley.