Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was removed from the game during the Sunday matchup that ended with a score of 33-30 in favor of the Bills over the Raiders after he spat at Las Vegas tight end Brock Bowers.
This event occurred late during the second quarter. Gardner-Johnson and Bowers had a verbal exchange as the plays progressed. An official intervened promptly, signaling for a penalty and announcing Gardner-Johnson’s removal from the game.
It wasn’t immediately apparent on the game broadcast what led to the ejection. However, slow-motion footage revealed Gardner-Johnson spit at Bowers while Bowers was facing away.
At the moment of the incident, the Bills were leading 13-10. The penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct advanced the Raiders from the 29-yard line of Buffalo to the 14-yard line with just 15 seconds left in the half. Consequently, Las Vegas managed to score a field goal, leveling the score.
Gardner-Johnson: ‘I’ve just got to manage my emotions’
Following the match, Gardner-Johnson addressed reporters regarding the spitting incident at his locker.
“I need to improve as a player. I must become a more responsible veteran,” Gardner-Johnson commented. “My emotions got the better of me, and I let my team down.
“They signed me to participate in significant games like this one. I have to perform better and manage my emotions.”
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When asked if he indeed spat at Bowers, Gardner-Johnson responded:
“I really have to work on controlling my emotions,” he continued. “There was nothing malicious involved. It was just competitive spirit—just, as I mentioned, in the heat of the moment. Everyone witnessed what transpired; it was nothing extreme against anyone. …
“A penalty was enforced; a flag was thrown. We were exchanging words. And, you know, being competitive. As I said, nothing personal against Brock, nothing against the team.”
Gardner-Johnson expresses regret for spitting incident
Several hours after the game, Gardner-Johnson shared a detailed apology on Instagram.
It stated:
“I want to take a moment to discuss my actions and sincerely apologize to my opponent, my teammates, my organization, and all of my supporters.
“My enthusiasm and competitive spirit have always defined me, but I recognize that there are limits that should never be crossed. The action I displayed towards my opponent was inappropriate, unnecessary, and does not align with the respect I hold for him or for the sport.
“There is no justification for my behavior, and I accept full responsibility. Regardless of how intense or emotional the competition may become, I must uphold a higher standard.
“To my opponent, I genuinely apologize. We compete fiercely on the field, but respect should always be paramount.
“One moment does not define who I am, but how I choose to react in such moments matters. I will learn from this experience, grow from it, and continue to lead with the integrity, passion, and respect that have guided me throughout my career.
“I have a deep love and respect for this game, and I will always strive to maintain its integrity.
“My actions will demonstrate my commitment more effectively than my words in the future.”
Kyle Juszczyk: Gardner-Johnson spat at me
According to San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk, this is not the first instance of Gardner-Johnson spitting at an adversary.
Juszczyk tweeted after Sunday’s event that Gardner-Johnson spat at him during the last season when Gardner-Johnson played for the Chicago Bears.
The 49ers emerged victorious in the December 28 game, winning 42-38 in a late-season contest that held playoff implications for both teams.
Ejection marks second for Gardner-Johnson
This ejection represents the second time Gardner-Johnson has been removed from an NFL game. Previously, he was thrown out of a 2024 match against the Washington Commanders while with the Philadelphia Eagles.
In that previous situation, Gardner-Johnson received his second unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for taunting, which resulted in an automatic ejection. While leaving the field, he gestured offensively to the crowd in Washington with both hands.
Might Gardner-Johnson face suspension?
The spitting incident is the second of its kind in the NFL since last season that resulted in an ejection. In the 2025 season opener, Philadelphia defensive lineman Jalen Carter spat on Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott before the game even began.
Carter was ejected without having participated in a play. However, he faced no suspension. The NFL fined Carter $57,222 for the incident, and his ejection from the Cowboys game prior to its start was viewed as a one-game suspension from the league’s perspective.
The NFL will surely reassess Gardner-Johnson’s situation, and a possible suspension may be on the horizon for the Buffalo safety.
