NFL safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson has found himself at the center of a storm, recently released by the Baltimore Ravens just weeks after being cut by the Houston Texans. Many fans, particularly the dedicated followers of pop superstar Taylor Swift, are attributing these career setbacks to a phenomenon they’ve dubbed ‘Tayvoodoo,’ stemming from Gardner-Johnson’s highly public feud with the Swifties following Super Bowl LIX.
In a turn of events that has captivated both NFL enthusiasts and pop culture aficionados, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, the outspoken safety known for his aggressive play and equally aggressive commentary, has once again been released from an NFL team. The Baltimore Ravens parted ways with the 27-year-old just one week after signing him to their practice squad, labeling the decision as “an amicable mutual decision.” However, for millions of Taylor Swift fans, the explanation is far simpler: it’s the undeniable power of ‘Tayvoodoo.’
The Genesis of a Feud: Super Bowl LIX and the Infamous Taunts
The saga began in the aftermath of Super Bowl LIX, where C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs. The game itself was a battle, but the real fireworks erupted off the field, fueled by the relationship between Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and global icon Taylor Swift. Following the Eagles’ victory, Gardner-Johnson launched a series of provocative taunts aimed at Kelce and, by extension, Swift and her massive fanbase.
On his Instagram Story, Gardner-Johnson posted a photo of himself taunting Travis Kelce, accompanied by the comment, “Should’ve Stayed with that thick s***.” This crude remark was widely interpreted as a dig referencing Kelce’s ex-girlfriend, Kayla Nicole, whom Kelce had dated for five years before his engagement to Taylor Swift in August. The sentiment was not lost on Swifties, who believed Swift herself had subtly referenced Nicole in her song “Opalite” from her new album, The Life of a Showgirl, as reported by Us Magazine.
Gardner-Johnson escalated his actions during the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX championship parade. He was seen wearing a sweatshirt emblazoned with the explicit phrase, “Swifties Can LIX My Balls.” This public display further cemented his image as an antagonist in the eyes of Taylor Swift’s devoted followers, setting the stage for the ‘Tayvoodoo’ narrative that would soon follow.
“Tayvoodoo” Takes Hold: Unraveling Recent NFL Releases
The concept of ‘Tayvoodoo’ posits that those who wrong Taylor Swift or her fanbase will face karmic retribution. For many Swifties, Gardner-Johnson’s recent NFL woes are prime examples. His release from the Baltimore Ravens marks the second time in three weeks he has been cut from a team, following his release from the Houston Texans in September.
Upon his initial release from the Texans, Swifties across social media platforms celebrated what they perceived as the first act of ‘Tayvoodoo.’ User reactions included comments like, “There were few times that the tayvoodoo worked so much just like with this one here and I think it’s too littleeeee,” from one user via X, and “Tayvoodoo took food out of this fools table in less than a year, omg many will face the same in the coming months,” from another. Even Travis Kelce himself has reportedly referenced the phrase, further solidifying its place in popular culture, as noted by Us Magazine.
While the Ravens cited an “amicable mutual decision” for their recent split, and the team had also traded for another safety on the same day Gardner-Johnson initially signed on October 7, these logistical explanations do little to deter the passionate ‘Tayvoodoo’ believers. For them, the timing is too coincidental to ignore.
A Career of Controversy and Undeniable Talent
Before his recent releases, C.J. Gardner-Johnson had a career marked by both significant talent and a penchant for controversy. He spent one season with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022, where he was a driving force behind their trip to Super Bowl LVII. Despite missing five games due to injury in 2022, he tied for the league lead with a career-high six interceptions, becoming the first Eagle to achieve this feat since 2013, as detailed in his career highlights.
Gardner-Johnson’s journey has taken him through multiple teams: the New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, and most recently, the Baltimore Ravens. His departure from the Saints was reportedly due to friction over contract negotiations, and he left the Eagles for similar reasons, signing a one-year, $8 million deal with the Detroit Lions for the 2023-2024 season. During his time with the Eagles, he also courted controversy by trashing the fanbase in a deleted tweet, stating, “Philly fans call me overrated lol …… y’all was just my friend 😂 😂 😂 switch ups,” a sentiment he later tried to soften by claiming no “bad blood” with the organization.
Throughout his seven-year NFL career, the University of Florida alum has amassed 18 interceptions. In 2024 alone, he recorded three interceptions for the Eagles. He is known for his feisty and cocky demeanor, often backing up his talk with strong on-field performance. His aspiration has always been to secure a long-term deal, a goal that remains elusive amid his frequent team changes.
Family Stands Firm: Parents Defy “Swiftie Attack”
The ‘Tayvoodoo’ extended beyond C.J. Gardner-Johnson himself, impacting his family. Following his initial comments after the Super Bowl, Swifties reportedly flooded a restaurant once owned by his parents, Brian and Del Gardner-Johnson, with negative reviews. This online onslaught was quickly identified as a “Swiftie attack” by his friends, as he recounted to TMZ in February.
Despite the attempt to target their business, his parents remained unfazed. It was later revealed that the restaurant had actually closed the month before the ‘attack,’ with Brian and Del having already opened a new establishment in Cocoa, Florida. His mother, Del, humorously attributed her son’s trash-talking tendencies to herself, stating, “He get it from his mama.” Both parents expressed their resilience against online criticism, with Brian adding, “We ain’t afraid of no smoke,” demonstrating their unwavering support for their son.
Gardner-Johnson’s Future: Seeking Stability Amidst the Storm
As C.J. Gardner-Johnson navigates his professional landscape, his passion for football remains strong, as he expressed on X following his recent release: “Every experience has helped me grow both on and off the field. I’m truly grateful for all the opportunities and memories. Football has always been a big part of who I am, and my passion for the game is still strong. I’m excited to keep working, improving, and continuing to play the sport I love.”
His career trajectory underscores the volatility of the NFL, where on-field talent must often be balanced with locker room dynamics and public perception. While the ‘Tayvoodoo’ narrative provides a dramatic backdrop, Gardner-Johnson’s challenge remains securing a stable, long-term contract that reflects his abilities on the field, regardless of the pop culture feuds that swirl around him.
Key Career Highlights and Statistics
C.J. Gardner-Johnson boasts an impressive resume, combining aggressive playmaking with notable achievements:
- A member of the Eagles’ Super Bowl LVII defense in 2022.
- Tied for the league lead with a career-high 6 interceptions in 2022, despite missing five games. He was the first Eagle to produce 6+ interceptions in a season since 2013.
- Named to the PFWA All-Rookie team in 2019 during his time with the New Orleans Saints.
- Career total of 18 interceptions over seven NFL seasons.
- Has played for the New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, and Baltimore Ravens.
- Actively supported at-risk youth through initiatives like Boys Town, Raintree Family Services, and Adopt.org.
Career Defensive Statistics (Summary)
Here’s a snapshot of Gardner-Johnson’s defensive performance across his NFL career:
- Experience: 7 years
- Total Games (G): 74
- Total Tackles: 292
- Solo Tackles: 222
- Assisted Tackles: 70
- Sacks (Sck): 4
- Forced Fumbles (FF): 2
- Passes Defended (PDef): 51
- Interceptions (Int): 18
- Interception Return Touchdowns (TDs): 1
- Interception Return Yards (Yds): 246
