As the Detroit Lions gear up for their playoff matchup against the San Francisco 49ers, a flurry of trash talk has unfolded between Lions’ C.J. Gardner-Johnson and 49ers’ Deebo Samuel. Coach Dan Campbell, however, remains unfazed by the banter, focusing on the game plan and ensuring it doesn’t escalate to personal fouls.
According to Lions team reporter Eric Woodyard, Campbell addressed the trash talk, emphasizing to Gardner-Johnson, “No personal fouls. That’s all you gotta say, and he’s good. He knows how to toe the line without crossing it.”
Gardner-Johnson, known for his vocal presence on the field, engaged in ample trash talk during the Lions’ matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, even intercepting quarterback Baker Mayfield and tossing the ball back to him after the play. The Lions’ star safety has maintained a consistent chatter throughout the season.
With a formidable 49ers offense boasting weapons like Deebo Samuel, Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and Brandon Aiyuk, Gardner-Johnson faces a challenging task. The Lions, aiming for their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history, look to maintain focus and composure amid the verbal exchanges as they approach a crucial playoff showdown.