49ers' Deebo Samuel challenges C.J. Gardner-Johnson to 'come here and strap it up'
Deebo Samuel and C.J. Gardner-Johnson have history, but the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver is not paying any attention to that ahead of the NFC Championship Game with the Detroit Lions. Samuel was cleared to play in Sunday's matchup at Levi's Stadium having successfully recovered from a shoulder injury he suffered in the divisional round […]
Deebo Samuel and C.J. Gardner-Johnson have history, but the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver is not paying any attention to that ahead of the NFC Championship Game with the Detroit Lions.
Samuel was cleared to play in Sunday's matchup at Levi's Stadium having successfully recovered from a shoulder injury he suffered in the divisional round win over the Green Bay Packers.
It sets up a matchup between the extremely versatile Samuel and the similarly multiple defensive back Gardner-Johnson, both of whom have been vocal in their dislike for one another.
Asked about their prior history and Gardner-Johnson's well-earned reputation as one of the game's best trash talkers, Samuel curtly replied: "I don't pay that no mind, he's just gotta come here and strap it up."
Their beef stems back to Week 6 of this season, when Samuel was involved in a pre-game skirmish ahead of the 49ers' matchup with the Cleveland Browns.
Gardner-Johnson made fun of Samuel, claiming he avoided the fight until left tackle Trent Williams got involved. Samuel clapped back by posting a tweet with a clip of former Chicago Bears receiver Javon Wims throwing punches at Gardner-Johnson.
Former Philadelphia Eagle Gardner-Johnson later said in an Instagram Live video: "Don't be friendly when you see me. Because I can guard you. You can't run routes, you're a running back."
Samuel then responded in an interview on 'Up and Adams': "He just sound like he's mad I got a little bag and a lot of money and no one knows who he is."
Based on Samuel's response on Friday, there is no danger of him being friendly with Gardner-Johnson, and the wide receiver was adamant he won't be thinking of trying to protect his shoulder with a place in the Super Bowl on the line.
"I ain't protecting nothing," Samuel said.
With no love lost between Samuel and Gardner-Johnson and the 49ers wideout ready to put everything on the line to secure a place in the Super Bowl, theirs is a matchup that should be must-see TV.
49ers’ Deebo Samuel will play in NFC Championship Game
He does not have an injury designation.
