Texans DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson reveals new jersey number
C.J. Gardner-Johnson is going back to college.
Well, he's just going back to his college number.
The newly acquired Houston Texans safety announced Saturday morning that he'd be switching from No. 8 over to No. 23, the same jersey number from his time at Florida, for the 2025 season. Gardner-Johnson could have offered some type of gift to wide receiver John Methcie III for the jersey rights, but he'd rather commit to portraying the "Joker" mentality down at NRG Stadium this upcoming fall.
Previously worn by Eric Murray, the Texans' new No. 23 will take over that role after being acquired in trade earlier this week from Philadelphia in exchange for former first-round pick Kenyon Green and a 2026 fifth-round pick. Houston will also get back a 2026 sixth-round pick, but it has Gardner-Johnson locked up on a deal through 2026.
ITS BACK …… BIG 23 H-TOWN pic.twitter.com/nlvotAVmfD
— C.J. Gardner-Johnson (@CGJXXIII) March 15, 2025
Known for his hard-hitting plays in space and ball-hawking skills in man coverage, Gardner-Johnson joins a Houston secondary as the final piece to a unit that ranked sixth in passing yards allowed (201) and 13th in scoring defense (21.9). His 18 career interceptions fit right in with Texans' S.W.A.R.M. mentality of defense after they totaled 19 picks as a unit, including from both rookie Calen Blullock and All-Pro Derek Stingley Jr.
So far, Gardner-Johnson is the only player to unveil his new number, but it would be wise to assume that Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk will remain wearing No. 13 after linebacker Del'Shawn Phillps left in free agency.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson among safeties in 2024:
— PFF HOU Texans (@PFF_Texans) March 11, 2025
🔒 86.8 coverage grade (5th)
🔒 6 interceptions (3rd)
🔒 7 forced incompletions (T-3rd) https://t.co/0j9izJG3wgpic.twitter.com/XNMycGllW9
Finally, Texans fans will actually see the 7-13 connection in the works from C.J. Stroud to Kirk. And if that doesn't excite them, seeing Gardner-Johnson's No. 23 live up to the G.O.A.T. status on defense is just the icing on the cake.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: C.J. Gardner-Johnson reveal new jersey number following Texans trade
Topics
-
Sources: Texans acquire Eagles' Gardner-Johnson
The Texans are acquiring safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson from the Eagles in exchange for 2022 first-round pick Kenyon Green, sources told ESPN. The two teams will also swap a pair of draft picks in the ...ESPN - 4d -
Steelers reveal jersey number of new wide receiver
Steelers WR DK Metcalf gets new jersey numberYahoo Sports - 2d -
C.J. Gardner-Johnson trade grades: Eagles betting on future upside, Texans add more physicality to defense
Which side got the better of the deal going into 2025?CBS Sports - 4d -
Jersey numbers revealed for Patriots first wave of free agent signings
The jersey numbers were revealed for the New England Patriots' first wave of free agent signings.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Ravens reveal jersey number of new wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins
Baltimore Ravens reveal that wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins we wear jersey No. 10 after signing a free agent dealYahoo Sports - 1d -
Eagles trading safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to Texans for former first-round OL Kenyon Green, draft pick swap
A surprise splash from the reigning Super Bowl championsCBS Sports - 4d -
Denver Broncos: 4 new players pick their jersey numbers
The Broncos' free agent signings have picked their jersey numbers.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
2025 NFL free agency: Puka Nacua gives up jersey No. 17 for new Rams receiver Davante Adams
Nacua will instead wear the jersey number he wore in college at Washington and BYU.Yahoo Sports - 4d -
New Steelers wideout DK Metcalf reveals which number he'll wear after joining Pittsburgh via trade
Metcalf will wear a new number for his new teamCBS Sports - 2d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Goodhue ends girls basketball season with win in third-place game
Mar. 15—ST. PAUL — Goodhue finished its sterling season on a winning note, beating Sleep Eye St. Mary's 68-61 in the state Class 1A girls basketball tournament third-place game at Gangelhoff ...Yahoo Sports - 10m -
Girls basketball state tournament schedules
Mar. 15—QUARTERFINALS Thursday, March 13 —At Maturi Pavilion Goodhue 76, Walker-Hackensack-Akeley 47 West Central Area 61, Cromwel-Wright 54 MACCRAY 55, Mayer Lutheran 51 Sleepy Eye Saint Mary's ...Yahoo Sports - 10m -
Rory McIlroy ignores bogeys to find himself in Players Championship mix
A valiant closing birdie kept Rory McIlroy in the hunt for a second Players Championship crown after tough conditions here at the Stadium Course had seemingly forced the world No 2 out of contention.Yahoo Sports - 11m -
Rory McIlroy ignores bogeys to find himself in Players Championship mix
A valiant closing birdie kept Rory McIlroy in the hunt for a second Players Championship crown after tough conditions here at the Stadium Course had seemingly forced the world No 2 out of contention.Yahoo Sports - 11m -
Abdul Carter has surprisingly low NFL draft projection in new mock draft
Penn State's top NFL draft prospect is considered a lock for a top five pick, but this mock draft goes against that general feeling.Yahoo Sports - 13m
More in Sports
-
Where to watch Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona: LaLiga live online, lineups, prediction and odds
LaLiga leaders travel to Madrid for top of table showdownCBS Sports - 8m -
Where to watch Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona: LaLiga live online, lineups, prediction and odds
LaLiga leaders travel to Madrid for top of table showdownCBS Sports - 8m -
Alex Ovechkin goals tracker: Capitals star eight away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL record
At his current pace, Ovechkin could surpass 'The Great One' before the end of the seasonCBS Sports - 8m -
Alex Ovechkin goals tracker: Capitals star eight away from breaking Wayne Gretzky's all-time NHL record
At his current pace, Ovechkin could surpass 'The Great One' before the end of the seasonCBS Sports - 8m -
Girls basketball state tournament schedules
Mar. 15—QUARTERFINALS Thursday, March 13 —At Maturi Pavilion Goodhue 76, Walker-Hackensack-Akeley 47 West Central Area 61, Cromwel-Wright 54 MACCRAY 55, Mayer Lutheran 51 Sleepy Eye Saint Mary's ...Yahoo Sports - 10m