Memo to C.J. Gardner-Johnson: New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel heard what you said about his wide receiver.
One day after the outspoken Bills safety referred to Efton Chism III as a "practice-squad player" and an "elevated guy" after the Patriots receiver made a spectacular one-handed grab for the winning touchdown in Buffalo, Vrabel gave his thoughts on Gardner-Johnson when asked about the comments and the play.
“For a guy that's been on eight teams in four years? I mean, I guess he knows the drill," Vrabel said with a smile on The Greg Hill Show on WEEI in Boston on Monday.
Gardner-Johnson, who never has been short of confidence despite bouncing around the NFL, spoke his mind about Chism after the receiver beat Bills defensive back Davison Igbinosun in tight coverage for a 23-yard touchdown reception.
“A practice squad player made a hell of a play,” Gardner-Johnson told the media. “That’s all I’m going to tell you. You throw it again he probably won’t make it again. Simple.”
Later, he added: “They didn't do nothing crazy. An elevated guy made a hell of a catch. We probably won't hear from him again. Respectfully.”
However, Gardner-Johnson got his facts wrong.
Chism has been on the Patriots' active roster since making the team as an undrafted rookie in 2025 out of Eastern Washington.
Vrabel, meanwhile, seemingly made sure to do a quick scan of Gardner-Johnson's resume before making his comments.
Indeed, Gardner-Johnson has been a member of eight teams since breaking into the league in 2019.
The AFC rivals meet again Dec. 6 in New England.
