The Buffalo Bills' defensive backfield just got a whole lot messier. After C.J. Gardner-Johnson was ejected from Sunday's win over the Las Vegas Raiders for spitting on an opponent, the controversy has taken a new twist — and this time, it's personal for a San Francisco 49ers star.
Kyle Juszczyk, the 49ers' veteran fullback, took to social media to claim that Gardner-Johnson pulled the same stunt on him during a game last season. "This is the least surprising thing ever," Juszczyk wrote. "@CGJXXIII spit on me last year when we beat Chicago."
The accusation adds a layer of history to an already ugly incident. Gardner-Johnson was tossed from the Bills-Raiders matchup after spitting on a Raiders player, a move that drew immediate backlash and an apology from the player himself.
"I want to take a moment to address my actions and sincerely apologize to my opponent, my teammates, my organization, and everyone who supports me," Gardner-Johnson said postgame. "My passion and competitive nature have always been a huge part of who I am, but I also understand that there is a line that should never be crossed."
He continued: "The gesture I made toward my opponent was inappropriate, unnecessary, and not a reflection of the respect I have for him or this game. There is no excuse for my actions, and I take full accountability. No matter how emotional or intense the competition gets, I have to hold myself to a higher standard."
Despite the apology, the NFL is now weighing a possible suspension. The league set a new precedent in 2025 when spitting escalated from a fine to a suspension, and Gardner-Johnson's ejection — which saw him miss roughly half of the game — is the first test case. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk wondered aloud about the potential punishment: "Will he be suspended for another full game? Will the league fashion an NCAA-style targeting punishment that keeps him out for the first half of the Bills' next game?"
Because Buffalo has a Week 7 bye, the league has time to deliberate, but the decision looms large. Juszczyk's claim that this is a recurring pattern could tip the scales. If Gardner-Johnson has made a habit of spitting on opponents, a stiffer penalty might be warranted.
The 49ers' fullback is no stranger to physical play, but he clearly draws the line at this kind of disrespect. His accusation, coming from a respected veteran, adds credibility to the notion that Gardner-Johnson's behavior is a problem.
For the Bills, this is just the latest headache in what's been a turbulent stretch. The team already has fans questioning the coaching staff, and now they face the possibility of losing a key defensive back. Gardner-Johnson's nightmare season has hit a new low, and the league's response could set a tone for how such incidents are handled going forward.
As the NFL deliberates, one thing is clear: spitting is never acceptable, and if Juszczyk's account is true, this isn't an isolated lapse in judgment. It's a pattern that demands action.
