The Tampa Bay Buccaneers improved to 2-0 with their Monday Night Football win over the Houston Texans. It was an impressive win coming back from down five with under two minutes left in the game. Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield put together an impressive game-winning drive, capped off by a rushing touchdown by Rachaad White.
But it was a play earlier in the fourth quarter that many are talking about. While scrambling for a first down, Mayfield landed awkwardly but immediately got up and started talking trash to Texans safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. That moment was captured on the broadcast and discussed by many people across social media.
Baker Mayfield Delivers Strong Message About Exchange
When asked about the confrontation with Gardner-Johnson, Mayfield said, “We don’t take any sh*t. That’s about it.”
#Bucs QB Baker Mayfield on jawing with CJ Gardner Johnson: “We don’t take any sh*t. That’s about it.” https://t.co/BS9jpmyhwo pic.twitter.com/DrIBr039yJ
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 17, 2025
This comment fits Mayfield perfectly, as this is the type of player he has been his whole career. He has always been fiery and confrontational, which in part helps him perform at a high level on the field.
This encounter did not stop on the field, as Gardner-Johnson responded to Mayfield on Instagram by commenting, “Boy this cute but still ringless.”
#Texans safety CJ Gardner-Johnson responses to #Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield IG post. pic.twitter.com/9GNFXZPeXc
— DJ Bien-Aime (@Djbienaime) September 17, 2025
Gardner-Johnson has always been an outspoken player, so it is not surprising to see him clapping back at Mayfield on social media. Unfortunately, these two will not face each other again this season unless they meet in the Super Bowl.
Buccaneers Looking Like Contenders
Even though it is still early in the season, the Buccaneers look like one of the better teams in the NFC. They have an electric offense led by Mayfield and his top weapons, Mike Evans, Bucky Irving, and Emeka Egbuka. Additionally, Chris Godwin is expected to return from injury at some point this season, adding to the team’s firepower.
Ultimately, their success this season will come down to how well their defense can hold up. They have question marks on that side of the ball, particularly in the secondary. But where they seem to play well is in the red zone, which keeps them in every game. If this team can stay healthy, they have a chance to be serious contenders in a wide-open NFC.
