40 Facts About Sauce Gardner

Early Life and High School

Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner's journey to NFL stardom began in Detroit. His early years were marked by a nickname that would stick with him for life.

1. Gardner was given the nickname "Sauce" at just six years old due to his athletic prowess on the field.
2. He attended Martin Luther King High School in Detroit, where he wasn't initially a hot commodity on the recruiting trail.
3. Gardner received offers from Indiana, Kentucky, and Syracuse, with many programs seeing him as a wide receiver.
4. His recruitment took off late in his junior season when he moved to cornerback, significantly improving his prospects.
5. He eventually chose Cincinnati, thanks to the efforts of Mike Mickens, now the cornerbacks coach at Notre Dame.

College Career and Achievements

Gardner's college years at the University of Cincinnati were nothing short of spectacular. His performance on the field caught the attention of scouts and fans alike.

6. At Cincinnati, Gardner had a standout career that included a trip to the College Football Playoff in 2021.
7. He was named the 2021 American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year.
8. Gardner never allowed a touchdown in his last three years of coverage, over 1,100 snaps.
9. His college coach, Luke Fickell, initially resisted calling him "Sauce" until Gardner was drafted.
10. Fickell noted that Gardner was an even-keel guy who never got rattled, even in high-pressure situations.

NFL Combine and Draft

Gardner's performance at the NFL Combine and his subsequent draft selection were pivotal moments in his career.

11. Gardner ran a 4.41-second 40-yard dash at the 2022 NFL Combine, the fastest time ever recorded by a cornerback with his height and length.
12. He registered a 97 “production” score at the Combine, ranking him third overall among all cornerbacks invited since 2018.
13. Despite being considered one of the top cornerbacks in the draft, Gardner was selected by the New York Jets with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
14. His performance at the Combine generated significant social media buzz, with Peter King noting Gardner was a special player destined for a top-eight or ten pick.
15. Gardner's profile on NFL.com provides detailed information about his draft and combine performance, as well as his biographical background.

Rookie Season and Accolades

Gardner's rookie season with the New York Jets was nothing short of phenomenal, earning him several accolades and recognition.

16. Gardner started all 17 games in his rookie season, leading the NFL with 20 passes defensed.
17. He recorded 75 tackles and allowed only two touchdowns throughout the season.
18. Gardner's impressive performance earned him the 2022 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award, becoming the fifth-ever recipient of this honor by the Jets.
19. He was selected for the Pro Bowl Game in 2023, joining Tariq Woolen of the Seattle Seahawks as the only other rookie.
20. Gardner became the first rookie cornerback to be selected as a First-Team All-Pro since Ronnie Lott in 1981.

Personality and Media Presence

Gardner's confidence and swagger, both on and off the field, have made him a fan favorite and a media darling.

21. Gardner is known for his confidence and swagger, ensuring he always embodies his nickname "Sauce."
22. He has a strong social media presence, often engaging with fans and sharing his experiences.
23. Gardner has appeared on various media outlets, including NFL Network and Rich Eisen's show.
24. During his appearance at the Combine, Gardner participated in interviews and discussions with media personalities like Rich Eisen and Daniel Jeremiah.
25. In a lighthearted moment, Gardner reviewed Daniel Jeremiah’s scouting report from the 2022 NFL Draft process, showing his appreciation for the feedback.

Athleticism and Comparisons

Gardner's unique blend of size, speed, and agility sets him apart from other cornerbacks in the league.

26. Gardner's speed and agility are among his biggest strengths, with his 4.41-second 40-yard dash time being the fastest ever recorded by a cornerback with his height and length.
27. While comparisons to other top cornerbacks like Jalen Ramsey are inevitable, Gardner’s unique blend of size, speed, and agility sets him apart.
28. His ability to cover receivers with ease and his confidence in doing so make him a standout player.
29. Gardner’s athletic background is impressive, having been an elusive running back in high school.
30. His college statistics are remarkable, never allowing a touchdown in his last three years of coverage.

Future Prospects and Impact

With his impressive rookie season and continued growth, Gardner is poised to become one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL.

31. Gardner's performance at the Combine highlighted his growing popularity and recognition within the NFL community.
32. His interaction with media personalities like Rich Eisen and Daniel Jeremiah further solidified his status as a rising star.
33. Gardner’s participation in the College Football Playoff during his senior year at Cincinnati showcased his skills on a national stage.
34. His selection as the 2021 American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year is a testament to his outstanding performance in college football.
35. Gardner’s 4.41-second 40-yard dash time is still an impressive feat, especially considering his size and length.

Team Dynamics and Future

Gardner's role within the New York Jets and his potential future impact on the team are exciting prospects for fans and analysts alike.

36. Gardner became the fifth-ever recipient of the Defensive Rookie of the Year award by the Jets, joining an elite group of players.
37. As a teammate of Aaron Rodgers, Gardner is part of a dynamic duo that promises to make significant strides in the coming seasons.
38. Gardner’s personality is a unique blend of confidence and humility, ensuring he always has the “sauce” with him.
39. His media appearances have further solidified his status as a rising star in the NFL.
40. With his impressive rookie season and continued growth, Gardner is poised to become one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL.

Sauce Gardner: A Rising Star

Sauce Gardner's journey from a Detroit high school to NFL stardom is nothing short of inspiring. His nickname, given at just six years old, perfectly captures his flair and confidence. Despite a slow start in recruitment, his switch to cornerback in high school changed everything, leading him to a standout college career at Cincinnati. His 2022 NFL Combine performance was stellar, and the New York Jets wisely picked him fourth overall. Gardner's rookie season was phenomenal, earning him Defensive Rookie of the Year and a Pro Bowl selection. His blend of speed, agility, and swagger makes him a unique talent. With Aaron Rodgers as a teammate, the future looks bright for Gardner and the Jets. His story is a testament to hard work, dedication, and always keeping the "sauce" with you.