Eagles players gather around the ref. (Photo via ESPN)
CJ Gardner-Johnson got one over the referees during the Philadelphia Eagles’ loss to the Atlanta Falcons on ‘Monday Night Football.
The cornerback got hit with a penalty after stopping ATL running back Bijan Robinson on a key fourth-and-1 in the fourth quarter with an impressive play. He removed his helmet while celebrating the play, earning himself a flag and what should have been a 15-yard punishment.
Check it out below:
Cj Gardner Johnson STUFFS Bijan Robinson on 4th and 1 late in the game.#Eagles lead #Falcons 18-15. pic.twitter.com/UzhNhhReeu
— Sully (@sportswithsully) September 17, 2024
Gardner-Johnson and his teammates managed to convince the refs that the shell fell off, prompting them to pick their flag up. You can clearly see him taking it off in the clip below.
CJ Gardner Johnson was almost flagged 15 yards for taking his helmet off, but they pick up the flag after he says it fell off.
pic.twitter.com/z1kADJYh2z— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) September 17, 2024
Uh, if they had let that replay go on, it sure looked like GardnerJohnson took his helmet off. #MNF pic.twitter.com/K2LEAXSBf2
— JJ Jo (@JJ_Jo_) September 17, 2024
CJ Gardner-Johnson’s Infraction Didn’t Escape Social Media
While the officials were fooled, fans saw right through the lie.
“He took it off himself,” one wrote.
“He did take it off,” said another.
“But he took it off,” said a third.
“He deff took it off lmao but whatever, he earned it,” a comment read.
“Wow he literally took it off too that’s crazy,” someone else said.
“Terrible flag pick up, likely cost the Falcons the game,” another fan wrote.
The Eagles still contrived to lose the game 22-21, with last week’s hero Saquon Barkley dropping an easy catch on third down in the red zone to hand the Falcons the ball back with just enough time on the clock for Kirk Cousins to fashion a game-winning drive.
