'NFL pariah' continues career rehab, helps salvage Bears comeback vs Giants 

Senior Editor
'NFL pariah' continues career rehab, helps salvage Bears comeback vs Giants  image

Before the Chicago Bears came calling two weeks ago, an "NFL pariah" languished at home for much of the 2025 season. Now, he's fast becoming a hero in the Windy City.

MORE: $141 million Giants star emerging as X-factor ahead of Bears clash

As Chicago's defense was hit by a rash of injuries, the club turned to free agent defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson for help, despite his burning through two short-lived stints with the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens just this year. Gardner was signed on Oct. 29 to help replaced nickel corner Kyler Gordon.

“It’s just a blessing to be here,” Gardner-Johnson said, per Phil Thompson of The Chicago Tribune. Thompson observes that Gardner-Johnson had been quickly becoming an "NFL pariah" after burning through so many teams. “I was home for a month and a half. The narratives and scrutiny."

Gardner-Johnson's redemption arc

Gardner-Johnson had a big impact in the Bears' 24-20 home win against the lowly New York Giants on Sunday. He forced a fumble from Giants signal caller Jaxson Dart in the third quarter, helping salvage the contest.

When Dart was diagnosed with a concussion, his backup Russell Wilson had to steer the ship in the fourth period. Chicago capitalized on the change, eventually rallying despite trailing by as many as 10 points in that frame. Gardner-Johnson also notched a pair of sacks. 

“But when you run (into) a great group of people, a great group of coaches that believe in you, people (who) believe in you, I think all that goes out the window when they can see a person and you come in and just adapt and adjust," Gardner-Johnson reflected on his Bears tenure. "Come in and play right away, make an impact on the team.”

With the win, Chicago improves to a surprisingly good 6-3 record during its first season under new head coach Ben Johnson.

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