Former Super Bowl Champion Safety Turns Down Eagles Practice Squad to Join Cowboys Workout

Arlington, TX – October 17, 2025

In a surprising twist ahead of Week 7, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, the fiery Super Bowl-winning safety, has reportedly turned down an offer to return to the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad

and instead chosen to join the Dallas Cowboys for a workout in Frisco, according to multiple league insiders.

A Stunning Turn of Events

Just months ago, Gardner-Johnson was viewed as one of the emotional leaders of the

Houston Texans’ secondary after being traded from Philadelphia earlier this year. But his stint in Houston fell apart quickly following a series of internal disagreements and limited playing time. The Texans released him in early October, making him one of the top veteran safeties available on the market.

When the Eagles reached out to explore a possible reunion, Gardner-Johnson declined. Instead, he opted for the Cowboys — a team facing an injury crisis at safety and in desperate need of veteran help before Sunday’s matchup against the Commanders.

Why the Cowboys Make Sense

The Cowboys’ safety depth has been pushed to the brink. Malik Hooker and Markquese Bell are both on injured reserve, while Donovan Wilson (elbow) and

Juanyeh Thomas (migraine) are questionable for Week 7. That leaves rookie Alijah Clark as the only fully healthy safety on the roster.

For Gardner-Johnson, this is an ideal situation: a clear path to meaningful snaps, and a defensive scheme under

Matt Eberflus that emphasizes hybrid safeties who can blitz and cover in the slot — the same role where he thrived during the Eagles’ 2022 Super Bowl run.

A Cowboys team official told ESPN,

“He brings attitude, leadership, and toughness. Right now, that’s exactly what this locker room needs.”

The Eagles’ Angle

Philadelphia’s interest in Gardner-Johnson was described as “exploratory,” limited to a practice-squad role

due to roster constraints and a long-term focus on developing Reed Blankenship, Cooper DeJean, and Sydney Brown.

But Gardner-Johnson — still only 27 — made it clear he’s not ready to be a backup or a developmental piece. By choosing Dallas, he’s betting on himself to reclaim a starting role immediately rather than waiting for an injury in Philadelphia to open a door.

An NFC personnel executive summed it up bluntly: “Philly wanted insurance. Dallas needs salvation. That’s the difference.”

Gardner-Johnson’s Fit in Dallas

Gardner-Johnson’s energy and edge could inject life into a defense that has struggled mightily since losing

Micah Parsons in a midseason trade to Green Bay. His versatility — the ability to line up as a slot corner, box safety, or deep-field defender — fits perfectly in Eberflus’ flexible coverage packages.

Cowboys coaches have long admired Gardner-Johnson’s film from 2022, when he tied for the NFL lead in interceptions (6) and anchored a defense that ranked top-five in takeaways. If he proves he’s healthy and focused, the Cowboys are expected to

offer him a contract before Week 8.

A Fresh Start

For Gardner-Johnson, this move isn’t just about football — it’s about redemption. After being traded, injured, and released all within 18 months, he now has the chance to reassert his value with a team that truly needs him.

As one NFC East scout told FOX Sports, “C.J.’s got a chip on his shoulder again — and that’s usually when he’s at his best.”

If the workout goes as planned,

C.J. Gardner-Johnson could join the Cowboys’ active roster by next week — a move that would not only bolster Dallas’ struggling secondary but also add a fiery layer of rivalry between the Cowboys and the Eagles.

Prediction: Expect Gardner-Johnson to sign with Dallas before Week 8. The Cowboys need leadership; C.J. Gardner-Johnson needs redemption. And in the NFL, that kind of desperation often sparks something special.

Và ở NFL, sự tuyệt vọng đó thường khơi dậy điều gì đó đặc biệt.

Packers Rookie Offensive Tackle Did Not Participate Today After Donating Blood to Save His Mother’s Heart Valve Surgery

Green Bay, WI – The Packers’ practice field saw one surprising absence today, but the reason had nothing to do with football or performance. Instead, it was about family and sacrifice.

A young rookie lineman was held out of team drills after stepping away earlier this week to donate blood in order to support his mother during heart valve replacement surgery

. Coaches confirmed his absence was precautionary, allowing him time to recover.

That rookie is Anthony Belton, a 24-year-old offensive tackle taken in the second round (No. 54 overall)

of the 2025 NFL Draft out of NC State. Standing 6-foot-6, 326–336 pounds with long 34 ⅝-inch arms, Belton entered Green Bay praised for his power and versatility, with the ability to play both tackle spots or slide inside to guard.

Through the first four games of his career, Belton has logged 120 snaps (about 35% of team reps), primarily at right tackle. According to Pro Football Focus, he holds a

66.8 overall grade, broken down into 70.2 in pass protection and 63.4 as a run blocker.

While his transition has been promising, discipline remains a concern. Belton has been flagged

four times for 45 yards, mostly for holding calls, but has yet to allow a sack or pressure — an encouraging sign for a rookie adjusting to NFL speed.

Coaches view him as a long-term piece in the trenches, with flexibility to shift to guard if veterans Zach Tom or Jordan Morgan suffer injuries. His combination of size, footwork, and raw strength has already stood out on film.

Head coach Matt LaFleur expressed support for his young lineman’s decision: “Family always comes first. Anthony showed strength off the field that matches what he brings on it. We’ll have him back soon, but right now his priorities are exactly where they should be.”

For Packers fans, Belton has already shown more than versatility. In four games, he’s demonstrated not just the physical tools to be a starter, but also the kind of loyalty and character Green Bay values in its players.