CJ Gardner-Johnson was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round (105th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft.
A native of Cocoa, Florida, Gardner-Johson graduated from Cocoa High School, where he played football.
He then played college football at Florida. As a freshman at Florida, Gardner-Johnson appeared in all 14 games, making starts in the final 7 games of the season.
During the 2017 Outback Bowl, he had 2 tackles and 2 interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown, he was named the MVP of the Outback bowl. Amid his sophomore season, Gardner-Johnson started in all 11 games.
On November 26, 2018, Gardner-Johnson announced that he would forgo his final year of eligibility and declare for the 2019 NFL Draft. He was subsequently selected by New Orleans in the fourth round (105th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft out of the University of Florida.
The 24-year-old CJ Gardner-Johnson currently plays as a safety for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League (NFL).