C.J. Gardner-Johnson has embraced his new role as a Houston Texans safety by changing his jersey number from No. 8 back to No. 23, a nod to his collegiate days at Florida. The move symbolizes his commitment to embodying the 'Joker' mentality on the field at NRG Stadium, as he joins a Texans secondary that ranked sixth in passing yards allowed last season.

Gardner-Johnson, acquired from Philadelphia in a trade that sent Kenyon Green and a draft pick to the Eagles, aims to solidify the team's defensive prowess. With his 18 career interceptions, he fits perfectly into the Texans' 'S.W.A.R.M.' defensive philosophy, complementing rising stars like Derek Stingley Jr. and enhancing a unit eager to capitalize on their successful defensive strategy.