After the Eagles loss to the Commanders, who had plenty of success throwing the football once Gardner-Johnson was disqualified, PFWA Pool Reporter Nicki Jhabvala interviewed referee Shawn Smith on the Johnson ruling that led to his disqualification.

After the game, Gardner-Johnson went on social media to explain and justify the reason for his ejection. In a replay, CJGJ and Commanders wide receiver Dyami Brown are seen talking to each other at close proximity when Brown suddenly pushed Gardner-Johnson in the facemask, knocking off the safety's helmet.