LANDOVER, Md. – C.J. Gardner-Johnson, safety for the Philadelphia Eagles, might wear the team colors, but his reaction after being thrown out of Sunday’s matchup against the Washington Commanders—flipping two fingers at the crowd—probably won’t sit well with NFL officials.

With 11:24 remaining in the third quarter, Gardner-Johnson was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct, marking his second such penalty of the game. His first penalty occurred just as a TV commercial break started, after Commanders receiver Dyami Brown knocked his helmet off.

This incident was just one of many heated exchanges during the contest, especially significant as the Eagles were missing their starting quarterback, Jalen Hurts, who exited in the first quarter due to a concussion. Additionally, Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter and linebacker Jeremiah Trotter Jr. received penalties for unnecessary roughness.

Near the end of the first half, Gardner-Johnson intercepted quarterback Jayden Daniels’ pass, which had sailed over its intended target. He recorded one tackle before more conflict arose between the two teams after a play, leading to another unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against him for words he spoke.

“He was taunting the players,” referee Shawn Smith stated in a report with the Pro Football Writers Association.

As Gardner-Johnson made his way to the tunnel with Eagles chief of security Dom DiSandro, he expressed his frustration by tossing his gloves and gesturing towards the jubilant Commanders fans.

Regarding the ejection, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni commented, “They called what they called.” He added, “We all need to improve, and that responsibility starts with me.”

Following the game, Gardner-Johnson did not speak to reporters, but teammate Reid Blankenship defended him, saying there was no ill intent behind his words.

“I was right there,” he noted. “But during intense moments, things can happen.”

“Ultimately, I support my teammate,” he added.

Commanders coach Dan Quinn described the contest as an emotional ride, reflecting on the back-and-forth nature of the game as Washington won 36-33 in a nail-biter and the ongoing tensions between the two teams.

“I wanted us to maintain our composure, but this is the reality of the NFL,” Quinn remarked. “Things won’t always go smoothly. There will be tough situations and rough moments, but we have to stay strong and keep fighting.”

Such tensions are typical in the NFC East, particularly as both teams vie for the division title. Washington’s win was crucial in blocking Philadelphia from clinching the first position while moving the Commanders closer to their playoff aspirations.

“It’s a divisional matchup. It’s to be expected,” said right guard Sam Cosmi. “Chippy play is part of it. We have a rivalry; we don’t like each other, and that won’t change anytime soon.”