Nearly a week after Super Bowl LVII, the NFL has thrown a late hit on C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s wallet. Per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the hard-hitting safety was fined $14,111 for a tackle on Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco.
With the score tied 35-35 and less than five minutes left in the Super Bowl, Gardner-Johnson leveled the Kansas City rookie with what seemed to be a clean shot, temporarily knocking Pacheco out of the game.
No flags were thrown, but upon further review, the NFL felt the hit was dirty and fined the Eagles safety. Gardner-Johnson is baffled.
Gardner-Johnson is no stranger to NFL fines. In 2020, he was fined $5,128 for dragging a player out of a pile after an onside kick. In 2021, he was fined $15,000 for fighting Chicago receiver Anthony Miller.
The good news for Gardner-Johnson is he can afford the fine. The 25-year-old free agent is about to cash in after an outstanding season. Although he missed five games with an injury, Gardner-Johnson tied three other players with six interceptions to lead the league.
He made less than $3 million last season under a rookie contract, but according to Spotrac, he can expect a new deal in the five-year, $66 million range. If the Eagles put a franchise tag on him, he’d still make over $14 million in 2023.
Fines aside, Philadelphia wants Gardner-Johnson back next year, and he has said he wants to stay.
