Overview
- A diving, one-handed touchdown catch by Efton Chism III decided New England’s 29-26 win over Buffalo on Oct. 4 and sparked the dispute after the game.
- Bills safety C.J. Gardner‑Johnson called Chism a “practice squad player” in postgame remarks and suggested the play was a fluke.
- Multiple outlets and Patriots sources corrected the record by noting Chism has been on New England’s 53-man roster since 2025 and has never been on a practice squad.
- Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and teammates including Drake Maye, Kevin Byard and Hunter Henry publicly rebuked Gardner‑Johnson, and some TV analysts urged Buffalo to consider roster action.
- The episode highlights Gardner‑Johnson’s reputation as an outspoken, frequently moved veteran and gives both teams a storyline to resolve on Dec. 6 when they meet in Week 13.