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Tyrann Mathieu Hits Back at C.J. Gardner-Johnson After Call Out over Madden Ratings | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

INGLEWOOD, CA - DECEMBER 21: Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the New Orleans Saints looks on from the field during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on December 21, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Cooper Neill/Getty Images

New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu and Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson got into a social media dispute regarding their placement among the top 10 safeties in Madden 25.

The list of the top 10 safeties in the game was released by EA Sports on Monday. Mathieu ranked No. 5 with a 91 overall player rating, while Gardner-Johnson was not listed. The current Eagles defensive back called out Mathieu, who replaced him on the Saints in 2022, in a post on X.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson @CGJXXIII

Got replaced by #5 (see where they at), #7 couldn’t live up to the hype (last year was evidence)! The rest , I got way more ball production sooooooo WHEN MADDEN DROPPING!? https://t.co/336Q4Ywn1z

Mathieu responded with images that showcased his accomplishments during the 2023 season as well as his 33 career interceptions. He also acknowledged his veteran status, calling for more respect from his peers.

Tyrann Mathieu @Mathieu_Era

Tyrann mathieu living off name but every time someone post a list I’m usually on it, if you a hater just say that.
And for the record my down season will get some dudes paid 40 million!! Stay dangerous ! & yes the last two seasons for me have been fairly disappointing from my… pic.twitter.com/g239kv7XZb

Tyrann Mathieu @Mathieu_Era

32 years young, and I’m still here!!!
And I got more miles on my legs than any DB in the NFL. I been doing this shit since yall was in middle school.
You should salute me!

While Mathieu hasn’t earned a Pro Bowl nod since he joined the Saints, he still racked up four interceptions and nine passes defensed in 2023. He also received a commendable 81.3 grade from Pro Football Focus for his efforts, allowing 21 receptions on 35 targets.

Gardner-Johnson doesn’t have any Pro Bowl selections under his belt, although he tied for the league lead with six interceptions in 2022. His 2023 regular-season campaign was limited to just two games with the Detroit Lions, although he returned for the team’s run to the NFC Championship game.

Gardner-Johnson signed with Philadelphia in free agency, while Mathieu signed a new two-year deal to remain with New Orleans.

While the two safeties won’t directly line up against one another for obvious reasons, they’ll likely have some extra motivation during the upcoming meeting between the two teams in Week 3 of the 2024 season.

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