Bears star complains about crucial penalty against 49ers that took away turnover

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Chicago Bears defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson complained about a penalty that was called on him in the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night.

The Bears and 49ers were in the midst of an intense matchup. Niners quarterback Brock Purdy took a snap from the Bears’ 7-yard line and threw the ball to Ricky Pearsall. Gardner-Johnson intercepted the pass in what would have been a crucial turnover.

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C.J. Gardner-Johnson #35 of the Chicago Bears reacts after a play during the second quarter of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Dec. 28, 2025 in Santa Clara, California. (Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)

However, Gardner-Johnson appeared to put his hands to Pearsall’s face at the snap. The penalty negated the turnover and Purdy would score on a 3-yard run two plays later. The 49ers took a 28-21 lead into halftime. San Francisco went on to win the game, 42-38.

"BS call smh," he wrote on X.

Gardner-Johnson finished with five tackles and a pass breakup in the loss.

The Purdy rushing touchdown was one of his five on the night. He had three passing touchdowns and two rushing scores.

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Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards (53) is congratulated by teammates after returning an interception for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

The Bears became the second team in the Super Bowl era to lose a game in the regular season when