Bills safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson ejected for spitting on Raiders’ Brock Bowers
Buffalo safety C.J. Gardner‑Johnson was ejected from the Bills‑Raiders game on October 19, 2026, after officials determined he spat at Raiders tight end Brock Bowers during a heated exchange.
The incident triggered a 15‑yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and an automatic disqualification, leaving Buffalo to finish the game without its starting safety. Despite the loss of Gardner‑Johnson, the Bills preserved a 33‑30 victory, improving their record to 5‑1.
Post‑game, Bills head coach Joe Brady said, "The discipline of our football team has to improve and that sure as hell can’t happen," emphasizing that the league must address repeated misconduct. Gardner‑Johnson later posted an Instagram story apologizing to Bowers, teammates, and fans, acknowledging his actions were “inappropriate, unnecessary, and not a reflection of the respect I have for him or this game.”
Social‑media reactions were swift. CBS Sports analyst JJ Watt confirmed the ejection, while broadcaster Jim Nantz described the act as “about as disrespectful as it gets.” Former 49 Ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk claimed Gardner‑Johnson had previously spat on him while playing for the Chicago Bears, suggesting a pattern of behavior.
The NFL’s disciplinary history suggests a possible suspension. Last season, Ja’Marr Chase received a one‑game ban for spitting on Jalen Ramsey, and defensive tackle Jalen Carter was also suspended a game after a similar incident involving Dak Prescott. Spitting falls under conduct that can carry a one‑game suspension, pending league review.
Buffalo’s defensive depth was tested as Damar Hamlin, Sam Franklin Jr., and Jalon Kilgore rotated to fill the safety role. The Raiders, tied 13‑13 at halftime, added a field goal after the ejection but could not overcome the Bills’ late‑game scoring surge.
The league is expected to review the incident this week, which could result in additional penalties for Gardner‑Johnson and further scrutiny of player conduct standards across the NFL.
