“That's the dirtiest s**t I ever saw in football”: C.J. Gardner-Johnson on Khristian Boyd as his hit left DeVonta Smith concussed

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Sep 23, 2024, 11:34 IST

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Eagles' C.J. Gardner-Johnson voiced his anger over DeVonta Smith's concussion during their 15-12 win against the Saints, caused by a helmet-to-helmet hit from Khristian Boyd. Gardner-Johnson accused the Saints of playing dirty, though Boyd denied any malicious intent. The incident has sparked significant discussion among fans and players.

“That's the dirtiest s**t I ever saw in football”: C.J. Gardner-Johnson on Khristian Boyd as his hit left DeVonta Smith concussed

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Eagles' C.J. Gardner-Johnson is unhappy with DeVonta Smith's injury sustained during the Eagles' 15-12 victory over New Orleans. Smith collapsed after absorbing a helmet-to-helmet shot from Saints defensive tackle Khristian Boyd. Philly medical personnel briefly treated his wounds, but Smith was eventually ruled out with a concussion. Smith collided with Boyd, causing consternation among Saints fans.Gardner-Johnson criticized New Orleans and its "pretenders," including star hurler Derek Carr.
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C.J. Gardner-Johnson didn't hesitate to call out Khristian Boyd

Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson criticized New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Khristian Boyd for a hit that resulted in DeVonta Smith's concussion, stating the Saints were "playing dirty" and a "cheap shot." "Man, that's the dirtiest s--t I ever saw in football, bro," Gardner-Johnson said as per ESPN. "Y'all obviously saw forward progression was stopped. For them to take a cheap shot on one of our key players, it goes to show what type of team that is. They're front-runners.”

In the fourth quarter of the Eagles' 15-12 win, Smith caught a pass from Jalen Hurts, but Saints' defenders pushed him backward. Boyd hit a big hit, ending Smith's game early. Despite the blindside hit, no flags were thrown. Gardner-Johnson called out his former team for a dirty play, but his teammates agreed it was dirty but hesitant to call it intentional.
Boyd sent out a message on social media clarifying that he had no intention of hurting Smith on the blindside hit. "I would never deliberately try to give someone a serious injury," he posted on his Instagram story. "Just tried to make a play on the ball. Get well.”

Gardner-Johnson, whom the Eagles acquired in a trade with New Orleans back in 2022 was effusive after Philadelphia's victory. Speaking with media pooled in the locker room after the game, Gardner-Johnson proclaimed the Saints "ain't no contenders, they're pretenders. They got Derek Carr. Remember that," per NFL Network's Bridget Condon.
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TOI Sports Desk

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