Relationships are important to new Detroit Lions defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
He built one many years ago with Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn when Glenn first coached him at a high school all-star camp and then again when he was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2019 when Glenn was the defensive backs coach there.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell was also on the Saints staff with Glenn as the assistant head coach and tight ends coach, and he also built a good relationship with Gardner-Johnson. It was those relationships established long ago that made the Lions a good fit for Gardner-Johnson to sign a one-year contract on Monday.
"The lesson (Glenn) taught me was that to become a better player over time you have to invest in your craft," Gardner-Johnson said Monday after signing. "That was the best advice I ever took from him.
"It's like a father-son relationship. When I mess up, even when I wasn't playing for him, when I messed up, I'd text him and say, 'Did you see it, or not see it?' The relationship with him just being there helping me get better every day. I remember him telling me, 'By the time I get you again, where I'm going to be at, you're going to be exactly where I need you to be.'"
View photos of new Detroit Lions defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (23) in action during the second half of a NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (91) celebrates with Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (23) after recovering a fumble by Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022, in Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Jaguars 29-21. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (23) warms up before an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (23) makes an interception against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (23) in action against New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) during an NFL divisional round playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (23) celebrates his interception with Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Avonte Maddox (29) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) is sacked by Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (23) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
Philadelphia Eagles' C.J. Gardner-Johnson (23) in action during an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (23) intercepts a pass intended for Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (23) breaks up a pass intended for New York Giants wide receiver Richie James during the second half of an NFL divisional round playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, in Philadelphia. The Eagles won 38-7. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (23) tackles Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (23) celebrates after intercepting a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) throws under pressure by Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (23) during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (23) celebrates after defeating the New York Giants 38-7 in an NFL divisional round playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson reacts after a play against the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL divisional round playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Philadelphia Eagles' C.J. Gardner-Johnson reacts during the NFC Championship NFL football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Philadelphia Eagles' C.J. Gardner-Johnson celebrates an interception during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (23) runs after making an interception against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (23) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Philadelphia Eagles defensive back C.J. Gardner- Johnson (23) drops in coverage during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday, September 19, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Patterson)
Where that is for both Glenn and Gardner-Johnson right now is a defensive coordinator looking to take his young defense to the next level by teaming up with one of the most versatile defensive backs in the NFL in his prime looking to prove he's one of the best in the game.
Gardner-Johnson said he loves that he's joining a young team that's hungry, and he thinks he can be one of the players to help push them over the edge. He was tied for the NFL lead with six interceptions last season while playing safety for the Philadelphia Eagles.
The 25-year-old was acquired by the Eagles via trade from the New Orleans Saints in late August last year and asked to make a position switch from cornerback to safety. He finished the regular season tied for the most interceptions in the NFL despite missing five games with a lacerated kidney.
Gardner-Johnson has proven over his first four years in the league he can play anywhere in the secondary at a really high level, whether it be nickel corner, outside corner or safety. He actually refers to himself as a defensive back and not a corner or safety because of his versatility.
"I just feel like when you get the chance to do multiple things and you're not just limited to one you can really just express your football personality more," he said. "I got a chance to go play nickel, I'm going to dominate nickel. I got a chance to go play safety, I'm going to dominate safety. No matter where you put me, it's going to go down all game."
What looked like a position of weakness for the Lions just a week ago has improved significantly with the free-agent signings of veteran cornerbacks Cam Sutton, Emmanuel Moseley and most recently the versatile Gardner-Johnson.
Go behind the scenes with the Detroit Lions during 2023 free agency.
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs (96) signing his contract with Detroit Lions General Manager and Executive Vice President Brad Holmes at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 13, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs (96) signing his contract at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 13, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs (96) during his press conference at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 13, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman John Cominsky (79) signing his contract at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 15, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman John Cominsky (79) signing his contract at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 15, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman John Cominsky (79) during his press conference at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 15, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) signing his contract at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 15, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) signing his contract at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 15, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) during his press conference at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 15, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Will Harris (25) signing his contract at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 15, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Cameron Sutton with Detroit Lions General Manager and Executive Vice President Brad Holmes at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 15, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Cameron Sutton signing his contract at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 15, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Cameron Sutton signing his contract at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 15, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Cameron Sutton signing his contract at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 15, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Cameron Sutton with Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 15, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Cameron Sutton with Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 15, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Cameron Sutton being interviewed at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 16, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Cameron Sutton during his press conference at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 16, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Cameron Sutton during his press conference at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 16, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Cameron Sutton at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 16, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Cameron Sutton at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 16, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery with Detroit Lions cornerback Cameron Sutton at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 16, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery signing his contract at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 16, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery signing his contract at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 16, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 16, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery with Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 16, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery during his press conference at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 16, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 16, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 16, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Emmanuel Moseley signing his contract at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 16, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Emmanuel Moseley with Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 16, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Emmanuel Moseley during his press conference at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 16, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Emmanuel Moseley at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 16, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Emmanuel Moseley at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 16, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions kicker Michael Badgley (17) signing his contract at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 20, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions kicker Michael Badgley (17) signing his contract at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 20, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions kicker Michael Badgley (17) during his press conference at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 20, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions safety C.J. Moore (38) signing his contract at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 20, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow signing his contract at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 20, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow signing his contract at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 20, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 20, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow during his press conference at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 20, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Graham Glasgow at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 20, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 20, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson meeting with Detroit Lions Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 20, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson meeting with Detroit Lions Cornerbacks Coach Dre Bly at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 20, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 20, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 20, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson signing his contract at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 20, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 20, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson during his press conference at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 20, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 20, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson at the Lions Training Facility in Allen Park, MI on March 20, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. signing his contract at the Detroit Lions training facility in Allen Park, MI on April 5, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. signing his contract at the Detroit Lions training facility in Allen Park, MI on April 5, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. at the Detroit Lions training facility in Allen Park, MI on April 5, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. and Detroit Lions Wide Receivers Coach Antwaan Randle El at the Detroit Lions training facility in Allen Park, MI on April 5, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. and Detroit Lions Linebackers Coach Kelvin Sheppard at the Detroit Lions training facility in Allen Park, MI on April 5, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. at the Detroit Lions training facility in Allen Park, MI on April 5, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. and Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson at the Detroit Lions training facility in Allen Park, MI on April 5, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. during his press conference at the Detroit Lions training facility in Allen Park, MI on April 5, 2023. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Those three join Jeff Okudah, Jerry Jacobs, Will Harris, Tracy Walker and Kerby Joseph in what's suddenly a more talented and much deeper secondary for the Lions. It will certainly be interesting to see how Glenn, defensive backs coach Brian Duker and cornerbacks coach Dre Bly sort out staring spots and depth in what now looks to be a really competitive defensive backs room.
"This team is talented," Gardner-Johnson said of his new team. "We could win the division. Everyone should feel that way. When I look at a team coming from where I came from, teams that went to the playoffs and won multiple division (titles), in playoff games and went to the Super Bowl. This team has what it takes to win the division. Get there, win the division, get to the playoffs. But it's got to start with: What's your identity? Who are you?"
That's something Gardner-Johnson said he can't wait to find out about his new team once all the players return for the offseason training program. From afar, Gardner-Johnson has been impressed with what's being built in Detroit and he's expecting big things from himself and the Lions' defense in 2023.
