C.J. Gardner-Johnson, like the rest of the Philadelphia Eagles, is basking in the glory of their Super Bowl 59 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
However, the safety took time to call out the former Eagles player-turned-analyst Emmanuel Acho. And Gardner-Johnson isn’t the first player from his team to fire back at Acho, either.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson Calls Out Emmanuel Acho
The Dallas Cowboys and the Eagles have a long and storied rivalry. While the Cowboys have been going through a slump for more than two decades, the Eagles have captured the Lombardi Trophy twice in the last decade.
In the eyes of many fans and players alike, the Eagles have distanced themselves from the Cowboys in many aspects. However, Acho during his Feb. 14 segment on FS1’s “The Facility” suggested that both teams aren’t that far off.
“The Cowboys are one Eagles offseason away from a Super Bowl,” Acho said. “… They’re a running back away — Eagles offseason, Saquon Barkley. They’re a linebacker away — Eagles offseason, Zack Baun. They’re one offensive lineman away — Eagles offseason, Mekhi Becton.”
The 27-year-old defensive back didn’t agree with Acho’s analysis one bit and let the world know by taking to X and replying to the clip of Acho.
“STOP COMPARING US PLEASE!!!” he tweeted.
STOP COMPARING US PLEASE!!! https://t.co/WgKdC7AVUw
— C.J. Gardner-Johnson (@CGJXXIII) February 18, 2025
Interestingly, Gardner-Johnson isn’t the only one offended by this analysis from Acho. Eagles edge rusher Nolan Smith Jr. voiced his concerns on X a couple of days ago. “Bruh you got to be Top 2 hates and not two!!! It doesn’t cost nothing to show love and say ‘THEM BOYS DID THEIR THING ‘!!!!!,” he had tweeted.
Bruh you got to be Top 2 hates and not two!!!
It doesn’t cost nothing to show love and say “THEM BOYS DID THEIR THING “!!!!! https://t.co/KNiAxujwx3— Nolan Smith II (@SmithNoland2) February 16, 2025
During his playing career, Acho had two stints with the Eagles. However, he saw no game time during his first stint in Philly and then played a part-time role in the second term. Getting cut by the Eagles for the second time in 2015 was the last of Acho’s playing career in the NFL.
However, Acho did not hold back when replying to Smith for his accusations. The former linebacker came up with receipts in the form of three screenshots as well.
“You, @SmithNoland2, are a champion. And as good as you have become at hunting the opponent, you got the wrong one this time,” Acho said.
“I’ve sang y’all’s praises, specifically the defense, so much that my voice hurts. You a baller & yall are champs and I’ve been hype!” he tweeted.
You, @SmithNoland2, are a champion. And as good as you have become at hunting the opponent, you got the wrong one this time.
I’ve sang y’all’s praises, specifically the defense, so much that my voice hurts.
You a baller & yall are champs and I’ve been hype! 🧾🧾🧾🧾 https://t.co/qjlp0xMc0C pic.twitter.com/t1vkNgTJL0
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) February 17, 2025
Acho has yet to reply to Gardner-Johnson’s tweet; however, the NFL analyst has been taking a lot of flak from fans as well during this time.