Rex Ryan unloads on ‘punk’ C.J. Gardner-Johnson after spitting incident

The Buffalo Bills were able to hang on for a 33-30 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday to move to 5-1 on the year. Still atop the AFC East, there is plenty to celebrate—including the fact that Josh Allen can casually turn in one of the best plays you’ve ever seen before with great creativity.

There’s also something to reflect on.

MORE: Bills’ CJ Gardner-Johnson apologizes for Brock Bowers spit incident, facing NFL fine

Cornerback C.J. Gardner-Johnson was ejected shortly before halftime after he appeared to spit at Raiders’ Brock Bowers. It was a classless move that could earn him a suspension. The good news is that Buffalo was able to navigate his surprising absence and didn’t end up dropping a very winnable game. Anytime a human being hocks a loogie on someone else, though, it’s not great.

Rex Ryan’s take

Predictably, Gardner-Johnson is receiving his share of criticism. One member of the San Francisco 49ers claims this isn’t even the first time the defensive back has spit at an opponent. And Rex Ryan simply has no time for it.

The longtime coach torched CJGJ on Monday’s Get Up.

“This guy is a punk,” Ryan stated. “The Buffalo Bills don’t need you.”

"This guys is a punk. … The Buffalo Bills don’t need you!" Rex Ryan sounds off on C.J. Gardner-Johnson. https://t.co/2No91J4hai— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) October 19, 2026

Ryan outlined just how much the talented corner has bounced around in recent years and wondered if Buffalo wants this type of thing to represent their football team.

MORE: Bills’ CJ Gardner-Johnson spits on Raiders’ Brock Bowers, gets ejected

Which is a fair question. The answer is likely ‘no’ but it’s not that easy of a question. Gardner-Johnson’s veteran savvy and capable defending are going to be of crucial value for the Bills if they are to finally get over the hump and into the Super Bowl. Think of how many times Allen has seen his incredible performances go up in smoke because his defensive counterparts could not keep points off the scoreboard.

This is an organization that has been searching for the right pieces for years and the returns this year suggest a unit capable of doing just enough to let Allen win games with his excellence. Making it harder to do that would be a pretty dramatic move. One that the Bills probably aren’t interested in at all—even if it’s tough to have this narrative attached to their name right now.