NFL’s C.J. Gardner-Johnson taunted with ‘karma’ chants by Taylor Swift fans; here’s the backstory

Houston Texans safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson suffered a serious leg injury during Thursday’s, August 7, training session, raising fears his 2025 NFL season could be over before it begins. The 26-year-old defensive back collapsed during drills, was unable to put weight on his leg, and left the field on a cart.

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans called the scene “heartbreaking” and said the team will evaluate the injury before determining his status, according to a report by The Spun.

Gardner-Johnson joined the Texans earlier this year in a trade from the Philadelphia Eagles. He brought versatility and a knack for interceptions, and he tied for the NFL lead in 2022.


He was expected to play a central role in Houston’s defensive rebuilding, and losing him would be a major setback.

Why Swifties reacted differently

While much of the football world expressed sympathy, some Taylor Swift fans, known as “Swifties”, used social media to mock the injury. Their reaction stems from comments and actions Gardner-Johnson made earlier in the year, as MARCA reported.

In the lead-up to Super Bowl LIX, Gardner-Johnson suggested Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce should have stayed with ex-girlfriend Kayla Nicole instead of dating Swift.

During the Eagles’ victory parade, he wore a hoodie with a derogatory message aimed at Swift’s fan base.

The online ‘karma’ chatter

After news of Thursday’s injury broke, some Swifties posted the word “karma” and other mocking remarks. One fan wrote “LMAO KARMA,” while another commented, “Prayers but karma”.



Others in the sports community pushed back, arguing that celebrating an athlete’s injury is wrong, regardless of personal disputes.