C.J. Gardner-Johnson called Efton Chism III a practice-squad player.
Chism isn’t one.
But Gardner-Johnson was last season.
New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel was asked Monday morning during an appearance on WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show” about Gardner-Johnson repeatedly referring to Chism as a practice-squad player after New England’s 29-26 win over Buffalo.
Vrabel fired back.
“For a guy that’s been on eight teams in four years?” Vrabel said. “I mean, I guess he knows the drill.”
It's actually taken Gardner-Johnson eight seasons to make eight team stops since entering the NFL in 2019. That includes two separate stints with the Philadelphia Eagles.
One of those stops last year was on a practice squad.
#Patriots HC Mike Vrabel responds to #Bills DB C.J.
Gardner-Johnson calling WR Efton Chism a practice-squad player: “For a guy that’s been on 8 teams in four years? I mean, I guess he knows the drill.” 💀 (🎥 @TheGregHillShow) pic.twitter.com/XYAGzBx2Xr
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 5, 2026
Gardner-Johnson spent 2025 with three different teams. He started three games for the Houston Texans before being released. Then Gardner-Johnson signed with the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad but was released a week later. In late October, he joined the Chicago Bears for the final 10 games with seven starts.
Chism has never been a practice-squad player in the NFL. He made the Patriots’ 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie in 2025 and again this season.
Gardner-Johnson’s comments came after Chism made the biggest play in New England’s win over Buffalo.
“A practice squad player made a hell of a play,” Gardner-Johnson said after the game. “That’s all I’m going to tell you. You throw it again he probably won’t make it again. Simple.”
Chism was matched one-on-one with Bills rookie cornerback Davison Igbinosun on third-and-5 from the Buffalo 23 with less than two minutes remaining.
Drake Maye threw along the right sideline and Chism extended one arm to make a spectacular 23-yard touchdown catch with 1:50 left. It gave New England the lead for good.
Gardner-Johnson later referred to Chism as “an elevated guy.”
“They didn't do nothing crazy,” Gardner-Johnson said. “An elevated guy made a hell of a catch. We probably won't hear from him again. Respectfully.”
TOUCHDOWN PATRIOTS.
— NFL (@NFL) October 4, 2026
What a catch by Efton Chism III to take the lead!@NEvsBUF on CBS/Paramount+
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/DtIZoenYNL
He played a season-high 34 offensive snaps Sunday and caught two passes for 42 yards. Both came on New England’s game-winning drive, including a 19-yard reception where he climbed the ladder to move the Patriots to the Buffalo 28.
Vrabel had a different assessment of Chism after the game.
“Nobody works harder,” Vrabel said Sunday. “There are plenty of guys who work hard, but I mean, Chiz is literally in (wide receivers coach) Todd Downing’s office before 6 o’clock every morning, if not 5:30, getting the game plan down to know every position.”
By Monday morning, Vrabel had heard Gardner-Johnson’s assessment.
The Patriots head coach knew more about Gardner-Johnson’s team history than Gardner-Johnson knew about Chism’s.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Mike Vrabel fires back after C.J. Gardner-Johnson calls Efton Chism a practice-squad player
