When Darius Slay recently mentioned Reed Blankenship as a potential leader in the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive secondary, safety CJ Gardner-Johnson didn’t take it well.
Slay, speaking on a podcast, was asked about who could step up as a leader in the defense after his departure.
He pointed to Blankenship, praising him for his leadership potential.
“Reed being around me and a lot of veterans before, I’m sure he could lead that group the right way,” Slay said. “He’s a great damn leader.”
However, Gardner-Johnson, who has been in the league longer than Blankenship, didn’t feel that Blankenship should automatically be the frontrunner for the leadership role.
His response to Slay’s comments was swift, and he made his feelings known on X (formerly Twitter).
Gardner-Johnson Speaks Out on Social Media
Gardner-Johnson didn’t hold back in his response, posting a series of tweets that conveyed his frustration.
“You would think feelings would be mutual after a great season but … aye twin keep that s*** solid,” he wrote, accompanied by a GIF of rapper Kodak Black.
He quickly followed that tweet with another post, clarifying that his issue wasn’t with the team, but more about the situation. “This is nothing about our team… TRUST!! We good.”
The following morning, he tweeted again, saying, “Not a crash out just keeping it real.” Gardner-Johnson also deleted a few posts that were more direct in their criticism.
“Last Vet that replaced me helped y’all get to the door in the wildcard round, REMEMBER THAT!!,” he wrote in one post.
In another, he questioned the need for veteran leadership, pointing out that younger players like Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean were capable of holding their own.
He also mentioned his own leadership alongside Blankenship and the team’s talented supporting cast.
Darius Slay Responds with Support
Darius Slay responded to Gardner-Johnson’s outburst, clarifying that there was no ill will between them.
“We just won a Super Bowl together,” Slay said. “I do not have no problem or hate towards bra.”
He explained that Blankenship’s inclusion in the leadership council was the reason he mentioned him as a potential leader.
“Reed is in our leadership council, which is why I said what I said. It’s nothing but love on my end if you really know me.”
AJ Brown Weighs In on the Situation
Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown also chimed in, expressing his frustration with how the situation was unfolding.
“It’s like high school all over again,” Brown commented.
“This isn’t even my fight to fight. Y’all speculate instead of taking what the person just said.
Then go on your pages and create articles until the national media catches it.”
Gardner-Johnson’s Controversial Super Bowl Comments
Gardner-Johnson has been no stranger to controversy, both on and off the field.
Ahead of the Super Bowl, he made waves by sharing a photo of himself staring down Travis Kelce, with a caption suggesting Kelce should have stayed with his ex-girlfriend, Kayla Nicole.
Gardner-Johnson later addressed the comment, stating, “When it comes to black queens, you just don’t play with them.”
His ex-girlfriend, Summer Bunni, responded publicly to the comment, accusing him of threatening his children.
She wrote on her Instagram story, “Y’all letting that man hold that trophy ask him to hold his kids fr that’s not Super Bowl material.”
Gardner-Johnson was also seen at the Super Bowl parade wearing a sweatshirt with the phrase “Swifties can LIX my balls,” referring to Super Bowl LIX and potentially taking a jab at the ongoing media buzz surrounding Travis Kelce’s relationship with Taylor Swift.
What’s Next for Gardner-Johnson and the Eagles?
Despite the tension and drama, the Eagles remain focused on their goals for the upcoming season.
Both Gardner-Johnson and Slay have made it clear that their issues are not personal, but the situation highlights the intensity and passion within the Eagles’ locker room.
As the team moves forward, it will be interesting to see how the leadership dynamics evolve, especially with such a talented group of players, both young and experienced.