Patriots HC Mike Vrabel Roasts CJ Gardner-Johnson Over Efton Chism Shade

Efton Chism was called a practice squad player by CJ Gardner-Johnson recently.

Patriots HC Mike Vrabel Roasts CJ Gardner-Johnson Over Efton Chism Shade

CJ Gardner-Johnson and Efton Chism III (inset) (Via Yahoo Sports and New England Patriots)

CJ Gardner-Johnson is facing a lot of heat after calling Patriots wide receiver Efton Chism III a practice squad player. Head coach Mike Vrabel reacted to the Bills corner’s statement on The Greg Hill Show.

Chism, a second-year receiver, scored a touchdown on CJGJ on Sunday. After the game, the veteran DB argued it was a once-in-a-lifetime moment for a practice squad player no one had heard of before the touchdown.

Vrabel fired back at CJGJ with a mid-crop statement. He said on the Greg Hill Show:

For a guy that’s been on 8 teams in four years? I mean, I guess he knows the drill.

Technically, Chism has never been on a practice squad. The former Eastern Washington star went undrafted in 2025 and made the Patriots’ 53-man roster last year and this year. He was elevated for the rivalry game against Buffalo.

On the other hand, CJ Gardner-Johnson has been placed on the practice squad once in his career. After the Houston Texans released him in 2025, the Baltimore Ravens added the 28-year-old to their practice squad. He was released a week later.

All that happened after he won a Super Bowl ring with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024. He expected to stick around in the Philly secondary for a long time, but the Eagles went in a different direction. They relied on youngsters Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, making CJGJ surplus to their needs.

The Bills are his fourth team since the Eagles cut ties with him.

RELATED
Cam Ward Falls to 3-18, Sets NFL Record for Worst Start Through 21 Games

What did CJ Gardner-Johnson say about Efton Chism?

The 3-0 Bills faced off against the Patriots and led by five points with under three minutes left. Quarterback Drake Maye heaved a pass to Chism, who filled in for the injured AJ Brown. Chism made a one-handed grab inside the end zone. His catch proved game-changing. The Patriots picked up a shock 29-26 victory.

Patriots HC Mike Vrabel Roasts CJ Gardner-Johnson Over Efton Chism Shade
#23 CJ Gardner-Johnson (Image via Yahoo Sports)

Chism scored the touchdown on Gardner-Johnson, and he clearly wasn’t taking the loss well when reporters asked him to describe the moment. The Super Bowl winner, an infamous trash-talker, didn’t mince words. Gardner-Johnson said:

A practice squad player made a hell of a play. That’s all I’m gonna tell you. If you do it again, he probably won’t make it again. Simple.

During Monday’s presser, Vrabel defended the second-year wideout from CJGJ’s uncalled verbal attack. Vrabel said:

Nobody works harder [than Chism]. You love to see players take advantage of opportunities and help the team win. He is very well respected. He practices. He is on the show team. He takes a million reps. Nobody logs more miles or yards or whatever we track than Chiz.

Hosts at the WEEI radio show asked for Drake Maye’s reaction to the entire fiasco. Maye calmly said that the Patriots “had the last laugh” by securing the win.

Up next, Maye and the Patriots host the Las Vegas Raiders at Gillette Stadium. The Raiders lost their Week 4 fixture against rivals the Kansas City Chiefs and are 3-1.

The Patriots lead the series 20-18-1. The Raiders beat the Patriots on opening day last year. Geno Smith threw 24 completions for 362 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. Tre Tucker caught the only touchdown. As for the Patriots, Maye threw for 287 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. Kayshon Boutte caught 6 passes for 103 yards.

According to NBC Sports, the Patriots are 3.5-point favorites to win.

Also Read: