Bills' C.J. Gardner-Johnson 'can't wait' to play vs. Texans - ESPN

PITTSFORD, N.Y. — Buffalo Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson said he «can't wait» to play the Texans — one of his former teams — when the Bills visit Houston in Week 1.

«It's a good team. Not saying nothing on the front office or the staff, but the players… they are good,» Gardner-Johnson said Thursday. «All the bulls--- that came out, it was lies, but whatever. I just can't wait to see 'em.»

After a late touchdown by the Jacksonville Jaguars sent the Texans to 0-3 last season, team sources told ESPN at the time that Gardner-Johnson had a mimicking response to cornerback Kamari Lassiter, who was voicing his frustrations on the sidelines. All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. tried to diffuse the situation, but that morphed into Gardner-Johnson exchanging words with Stingley, almost leading to a fight.

Team sources told ESPN at the time that the heated discussion resumed in the locker room after the game, even though the interaction never got physical.

Gardner-Johnson was released after that game, with coach DeMeco Ryans saying it was «in the best interest of the team.»

«They released me because I wasn't jelling with the team and I didn't fit well,» Gardner-Johnson said after Bills training camp practice. «Well, why the hell didn't the coach spoke up about it?… After the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, they decided I didn't fit well. We was already starting 0-3, so how can it possibly be on one person?»

After a brief time with the Baltimore Ravens, Gardner-Johnson, 28, signed with the Chicago Bears and played in 10 regular-season games and one playoff game. The eight-year veteran signed a one-year deal with the Bills in free agency.

«Be adults about the business,» Gardner-Johnson said of his view on Houston's approach.